EFCC’s Urban Radio arrest raises press freedom, procedural integrity concerns by Tony Onyima - ITREALMS

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The press statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today regarding the arrest of Favour Ekoh at Urban Radio, 94.5 FM, Enugu, raises concerns about procedural propriety, press freedom, and the balance between law enforcement and media independence.

At the core of this issue is the controversial method employed by the EFCC in pursuing Ekoh, a radio presenter accused of involvement in a Ponzi scheme. The EFCC asserts it had to conduct a “sting operation” at the station, implying urgency to prevent Ekoh from escaping. However, entering a media house to arrest a presenter during a live broadcast can be seen as an infringement on press freedom. Even if legal, such an approach may set a dangerous precedent by subjecting journalists and broadcasters to fear of interruption or abduction in their duties, undermining the Fourth Estate’s vital role in society. The agency could have waited for Ekoh to finish her presentation and arrested her as she exited the station.

Kachikwu’s Leaked Memo: Procedural for efficiency, transparency in oil & gas

ITRealms:

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu has reacted to the leaking and eventual publication of his memo to President Muhammadu Buhari, lamenting the attendant misunderstanding between him and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, reports ITRealms.

His reaction was contained in a press statement by the Director of Press in the ministry, Mr. Idong Alabi and made available to ITRealms, described the leaked memo as a normal procedural correspondence by the Minister to the President to enthrone efficiency, transparency.

According to Alabi, “It is most distressing to the ministry of petroleum resources that a confidential communication to the President on the performance of one of its parastatals can be made public.”

“The focus of the communication was on improving efficiency and deepening transparency in the oil and gas sector for continued investor confidence.

“It is noteworthy that the President has been fully supportive of the efforts of the Ministry to entrench good governance and accountability in the oil and gas sector.”

Alabi further said the Ministry of Petroleum Resources remains focused on achieving measurable progress in the implementation of the ongoing oil sector reforms in line with the mandate of Mr. President.

Kachikwu's letter to PMB:

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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