By Dare Akogun
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strong term the continued harassment and detention of two journalists Aiyelabegan Babatunde Abdulrasaq, CEO of Justeventonline, and Oluwatoyin Luqman Bolakale Publisher of Satcom Media Consults.
The party in a statement issued by it’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara and copies made available to newsmen described the action as disheartening.
The statement reads in parts “It is disheartening that in a democratic society, journalists are being subjected to such intimidation and harassment. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of any vibrant democracy, and journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of reprisals.
“According to the available reports, the arrests were made on the grounds of internal opposing ranks within the ranks of the Kwara APC. However, using state instruments to detain journalists raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the government.
“The heavy-handed approach taken by government officials erodes the trust and confidence of the public in the democratic principles upheld by the government.
“It was learnt that the journalists were invited on Monday, and they promptly responded. They reportedly cooperated with the Kwara State Police Command by providing them with all the information they asked for, yet they refused to release them on account of the strength unknown to the populace.
“The two journalists were arraigned for cyberstalking and conspiracy at a Kwara State Revenue Court presided over by Magistrate A. A. Ajia 72 hours after providing details of the source, instead of the police granting them bail, apprehending the offender, and continuing their potential investigation. They were then remanded for 21 days in police custody,” it stated.
The party emphasized the importance of press freedom in holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.
“Journalists play a critical role in informing the public, upholding democratic values, and providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
“Silencing journalists is an attack on the freedom of expression, which is a cornerstone of any democratic society.
“We call on the Kwara State government to immediately release Babatunde and Bolakale and desist from further harassment, intimidation of journalists, and bullying everybody to submission.
“We urge the government to respect the rights of journalists to carry out their work without fear of retribution or unlawful detention,” it stated.
The party also called on the state government to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests and ensure that those responsible for the infringement of press freedom are held accountable.
“The PDP stands in solidarity with Babatunde, Bolakale, and all journalists who have been unjustly targeted for simply doing their jobs. We will continue to advocate for press freedom, defend the rights of journalists, and work towards creating an enabling environment for the media to thrive without undue interference,” it added.
