Our Reporter, Abuja
Public intellectual and rights activist, Dr. Sam Amadi, has warned about the deteriorating state of press freedom in Imo State.
Dr Amadi disclosed this Thursday via his weekly podcast, Democracy Deepening Broadcast drawing from a newly released report by the Center for Investigative Journalism. He lamented that Imo State ranked 37th out of 37, including the Federal Capital Territory, making it the least hospitable state for journalists in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, my own state, Imo, ranks the lowest. That means Imo is the worst place for journalists to practice, the worst place for freedom of expression,” Amadi said.
The report highlights alarming trends of journalists being harassed, detained, and in extreme cases, killed, with Imo emerging as a hotspot for such violations. This revelation has sparked concern among media practitioners, civil society groups, and democracy advocates, who fear the implications for public discourse, political engagement, and democratic development in the region.
Amadi pointed to the abuse of state policing structures, noting that the frequent use of security forces to suppress dissent is a major contributor to the worsening situation. He also compared Imo’s current reality to states like Cross River, which once shared a similar reputation but have since seen improvements in media freedom.
“The use of police force to repress dissent is high in most states. That’s why I’ve been calling for a policing model that is transparent and professional—not one that functions as an extension of the government house,” he remarked.
Dr. Amadi further emphasized that even in his role as a social critic and human rights leader, he feels safer operating in Abuja and other parts of the country than in his home state. He stressed that freedom of expression is the foundation of innovation and development, and without it, democratic growth remains stunted.
He therfore called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to remedy the situation, urging his administration to confront the dual challenge of press repression and rampant insecurity, including the threat of kidnappers.
“We must end this menace now. We want an Imo where people are free to express themselves. From freedom of speech, you get innovation—and from innovation, development,” he declared.
Dr. Amadi also appealed to the people and government of Imo to reverse the state’s dangerous slide into repression and recommit to building a democratic society grounded in openness and accountability.
The Democracy Deepening Broadcast airs every Thursday, with Dr. Sam Amadi unpacking critical issues related to governance, democracy, and social development in the South-East, particularly in Imo State.
