‘Give us two weeks,’ Shettima appeals as IPI blacklists Gov Bago, Umo Eno, IGP Egbetokun

Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria to grant the Federal Government a two-week grace period to intervene after the Institute blacklisted three top public officials over alleged violations of press freedom.

IPI Nigeria, at its Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, added Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to its ‘Book of Infamy’ — a permanent public record of individuals and institutions accused of repressing journalists and obstructing media work.

The Vice President, who chaired the event, urged the Institute to stay action while he personally mediates between IPI and those listed.

“I crave your indulgence. Give us a grace period of two weeks,” Shettima pleaded.

“Governor Umo Eno is a pastor and a humble man. I will impress on him to restore those Channels reporters. Bago is my friend as well; I will invite him to my office and we will sort things out.”

Shettima further pledged to engage IGP Egbetokun, describing him as “a man in the eye of the storm,” and assured the Institute that the issues would be addressed within the requested timeframe.

Why they were blacklisted

IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, announced the new additions to the Book of Infamy — also referred to as the Book of Accountability — during the meeting themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.”

He said Governor Bago was listed for shutting down Badeggi 90.1 FM on August 1, 2025, despite interventions from IPI and the Minister of Information.

“The matter remains unresolved. For this reason, Governor Bago is hereby listed,” Mojeed stated.

Governor Umo Eno was added for expelling Channels Television journalists Christopher Mufat and Kufe Ipe from the Akwa Ibom Government House on May 24, 2025, following a report that captured remarks he made. Mojeed said all attempts to engage the governor were ignored.

“For refusing to reverse his administration’s repressive action and for perpetuating a climate hostile to journalists, Governor Umo Eno is hereby listed,” he said.

The Inspector General of Police was blacklisted over persistent harassment, arrests and obstruction of journalists by police officers nationwide, despite engagements with the Force Headquarters.

“For failing to uphold his constitutional duties and allowing systematic media oppression, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun is hereby listed,” Mojeed added.

SSS DG gets commendation

While three officials were blacklisted, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, was honoured with IPI’s Commendation Award for what the Institute described as his “unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists.”