Temokun further called on media practitioners nationwide to speak out against what he termed “anti-democratic forces” seeking to curtail press freedom.
Human rights lawyer Tope Temokun has called on Nigerian media outlets to resist any attempts by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to suppress press freedom, freedom of expression, and civil liberties.
Temokun described the charges of alleged terrorism financing and forgery of a police wireless message leveled against SaharaReporters, an online news platform, and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, as merely “the tip of the iceberg” of a broader plan to stifle and muzzle the media.
He reminded journalists of their critical role in establishing and consolidating democracy in Nigeria. Temokun urged them to remain vigilant in the face of fabricated and malicious legal actions aimed at silencing independent reporting.
Temokun further called on media practitioners nationwide to speak out against what he termed “anti-democratic forces” seeking to curtail press freedom.
He emphasized that the ongoing trial of Sowore represents a pivotal battle between state power and the people's liberties, a matter that the media must approach with utmost seriousness.
He, therefore, called on the media to collaborate in the struggle to liberate Nigerians from the shackles of inept leadership that has been holding them hostage for years.
“If the press collaborates, we are complete; if you collaborate with us and we do it right. But if you collaborate with us and you compromise with them, we are completely finished,“ Temokun added.
Temokun stated this while addressing journalists at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Sowore is standing trial.