How Imo Became Nigeria's Most Hostile State for Journalists - NUJ Blasts Uzodimma's Government
Afnews Editor
Aug 04, 2025
NUJ Imo blasts Governor Uzodimma's government after CJID ranks the state last in Nigeria for press freedom, exposing a disturbing climate of hostility toward journalists. Read details ..
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Full list of English FA Cup third round draw
.... CJID ranking sparks outrage as press union accuses state of orchestrated war on journalism
READ ALSO: UPDATE: Umeh Kalu Grips Tight On Don Ubani, Norman Over Defamation | DETAILS +COURT DOCS ATTACHED
By All Facts Newspaper - 4th August 2025
READ ALSO: Appeal Court Sacks Kaduna Assembly Speaker, Yusuf Liman | READ WHY
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, has delivered a scathing assessment of the state's relationship with the media, accusing the government of Governor Hope Uzodimma of creating a climate of hostility, intimidation, and repression against journalists.
The union's outcry follows the release of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) 2025 Openness Index Report, which ranked Imo last in Nigeria for press freedom - scoring an abysmal 40.70%, the lowest among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
The report, unveiled in Abuja by Professor Victor Ayedun-Aluma of the University of Jos, placed Imo far below even Bauchi (35th, 42.69%) and Lagos (22nd, 48.93%), confirming what media practitioners in the state have long described as a perilous environment for press work.
In a statement signed by NUJ State Chairman, Precious Nwadike, the union called the ranking a disturbing reality and "grim validationÔÇØ of what journalists face daily in the state.
READ ALSO: Court Gives Verdict On Man Who Raped Three Daughters |Read Details
"Imo's last-place finish underscores a systematic failure. Journalists face orchestrated hazards, insecurity, and open hostility, making their constitutional duties an uphill task,ÔÇØ Nwadike stated.
READ ALSO: 136 NIGERIANS REPATRIATED FROM LIBYA
The NUJ accused the Uzodimma administration of deliberately factionalising media bodies in the state through the Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, in a bid to control and muzzle the press.
READ ALSO: Indictment: Investigation Panel Submits Amended Report On Abba Kyari
The statement also dismissed government claims that CJID did not consult it before publishing the report, arguing that most documented attacks on journalists were already public knowledge.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Nwadike cited multiple cases, including:
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Chinonso Uba, allegedly subjected to repeated attacks and unlawful detention.
Chidiebube Okeoma, beaten multiple times by security operatives.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Full list of English FA Cup third round draw
Obinna Akuwudike, currently held in police custody.
READ ALSO: UPDATE: Umeh Kalu Grips Tight On Don Ubani, Norman Over Defamation | DETAILS +COURT DOCS ATTACHED
"Attempts to handpick NUJ leadership and impose Correspondents' Chapel heads point to a desperate desire to bridle the press. Hostility to journalists is hostility to truth, justice, and the fundamental rights of all Imo residents,ÔÇØ he said.
READ ALSO: Appeal Court Sacks Kaduna Assembly Speaker, Yusuf Liman | READ WHY
A Call for Urgent Change
The NUJ described the CJID report as an international indictment of Imo's press freedom situation, vindicating the persistent warnings from local journalists and activists.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
The union urged the state government to end its war on journalism, ensure the safety of media practitioners, and hold those responsible for the repression accountable.
"This is not about name-calling. It is about creating an environment where truth is not punished and journalists are not treated as enemies of the state,ÔÇØ Nwadike concluded.
Related Stories
REVEALED: How All Progressives Congress (APC) Played Into The Opposition Hands Ahead Of 2027 - Sumner Sambo Warns
I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
Tinubu Breaks Silence on Hardship, Inflation, Power Crisis - Vows Nigeria Will Overcome Economic Storm
"Terrorists Have Outgunned Our TroopsÔÇØ - Ndume Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram War, Sends Urgent Message To Tinubu
""
— Afnews Editor