The Chairman of Rijau Local Government Area in Niger State, Danladi Kombo Uganda, has come under fire after issuing a directive ordering the arrest of journalists who share what he described as “defamatory” photographs of elected political leaders.
The directive, titled “New Procedures for All Media Members in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State,” emerged from the chairman’s office and has raised serious concerns over press freedom and the potential abuse of security forces to suppress journalistic activities.
In the controversial statement, media professionals in the area were warned to desist from publishing images deemed defamatory to political officeholders, particularly those who are elected.
“We hereby instruct all security officers in Rijau Local Government to: Arrest any media person who posts a photo of a politician, especially elected leaders, in the name of defamation will face the Security Agency to answer questions about it,” the statement read.
The directive further suggested that publishing unflattering or marked images of politicians could be interpreted as a threat to their lives.
“Furthermore, there is no evidence or reason to cancel the picture of a politician. Most of whom are specially elected, crossing the red line X, doing so is tantamount to threatening his life, and whoever does so will face punishment from security forces, no matter who he is,” the chairman warned.
While the statement acknowledged constitutional protections for freedom of expression, it paradoxically cautioned against removing or altering political leaders’ images.
“Finally, there is no stopping you from challenging a politician as long as he does what is right for him, because the law of the land gives you this right (Freedom of press and expression according to the 1999 constitution). But don’t dare take down his picture.”
The chairman’s directive has since triggered unease among journalists operating in Rijau, with many describing it as an attempt to intimidate the press and curtail free speech. Media rights advocates have also condemned the move, calling it a violation of democratic principles and a threat to journalistic independence.
