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 ..
…. CJID ranking sparks outrage as press union accuses state of orchestrated war on journalism
By All Facts Newspaper – 4th August 2025
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.
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 validation” of what journalists face daily in the state.
“Imo’s last-place finish underscores a systematic failure. Journalists face orchestrated hazards, insecurity, and open hostility, making their constitutional duties an uphill task,” Nwadike stated.
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.
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.
Nwadike cited multiple cases, including:
Chinonso Uba, allegedly subjected to repeated attacks and unlawful detention.
Chidiebube Okeoma, beaten multiple times by security operatives.
Obinna Akuwudike, currently held in police custody.
“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,” he said.
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.
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,” Nwadike concluded.
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