The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has condemned the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma, describing a recent report naming Imo as the most dangerous and hostile environment for journalism in Nigeria as a damning indictment of his leadership. The report, published by the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), has sparked outrage, with the PDP calling it a “heavy blow” to the state’s image.
In a press statement issued by the PDP’s state spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, the party expressed dismay over Imo State’s poor ranking in the CJID’s “State of Press Freedom in Nigeria” report, presented in Abuja. The report, which assessed press freedom across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ranked Imo State last at 37th, with a below-average score of 40.7 percent. The findings highlighted widespread repression, intimidation, and obstruction of journalism by state actors in Imo, painting a grim picture of media freedom under Uzodinma’s government.
Obiaku described the report as “another sad commentary” on what he called Uzodinma’s “cruel regime,” characterized by high-handedness and abuse of power. He accused the administration of driving Imo State into regression across all sectors, noting, “A once upward-bound state that bore some hope now finds itself tethering ashamedly at the base of all good governance indicators, including accountability, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency.”
The PDP spokesperson further criticized the Uzodinma administration for obstructing press freedom and shielding government activities from public scrutiny, alleging that such actions portray a failed leadership “enmeshed in corruption.” He argued that the state’s dismal ranking reflects a broader decline, with Imo grappling with insecurity, poverty, and governance challenges under the current government.
Calling for urgent reform, Obiaku urged Governor Uzodinma to demonstrate a commitment to reversing the state’s negative image by fostering a media-friendly environment. The PDP, a staunch advocate for freedom of speech, advised the governor to provide the necessary legal framework to allow journalism to thrive and to cease actions that suppress press freedom.
“For a stagnant state ravaged by insecurity and poverty, these records constantly remind Imo people of their pain in the hands of the rather clueless and mindlessly insensitive Uzodinma administration,” Obiaku stated.
The Imo State government has yet to respond to the PDP’s allegations or the CJID report. Media stakeholders and civil society groups have echoed the PDP’s concerns, calling for immediate steps to protect journalists and uphold press freedom in the state. As the controversy unfolds, the report has intensified scrutiny of Uzodinma’s administration and its handling of media relations.
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