The founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of TheNigeriaLawyer, an online legal and general interest news platform, Chioma Unin, has cried out over alleged threats to her life and person from faceless and anonymous persons.
According to her, the faceless persons had expressed displeasure over some of TheNigeriaLawyer’s publications, which according to her, constructively criticised the role of some governmental institutions and persons in the 2023 general election, particularly, the case of the targeted suppression and subjugation of Igbos by non-state actors allegedly tacitly supported by institutions of the state, who watched on and refused to bring offenders to book even in the face of indisputable and glaring evidence.
She said the first set of threats, which came from encrypted phone numbers (private numbers) were issued after the March 23 edition of the publication titled, “Did MC Oluomo’s Threat To Igbo Voters In Lagos End Up As A Joke? A Query To The Nigeria Police Force”, which was written following Police refusal to apprehend and investigate leaders of the ruling APC, who “openly stoked ethnic hatred and stirred the embers of genocidal tendencies, which we saw on display during the election. The unknown persons who called our Editor-In-Chief at various times warned her against putting up publications of such nature or else would bear the consequences.”
In another editorial published on May 13, 2023 titled, “Re: “Eze Ndibgo Terrorism Trial Begins In July: A Case of Selective Justice By The Lagos AG And Police Against Igbos”, TheNigeriaLawyer “wondered why Nwajagu was being prosecuted for comments deemed as inciting, while MC Oluomo still parades with impunity as a free man? Justice must not only be done but must been seen to be manifestly and absolutely done. The editorial concluded that the trial of Mr Nwajagu is an activation of the wheels of selective justice which might be a more cruel form of injustice.
“This publication also enraged the addressors of the threats who sprung up again and have since issued several threats.
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“This development is not only unfortunate, but highly condemnable as it is reflective of the tyrannical propensities of the ‘powers that be’ who appear irritated by sincere observations and constructive criticisms regarding their actions.
“It must be stressed that free press is a cardinal pillar of a healthy and functional democracy and every attempt to muzzle pressmen, journalists and social commentators is an attempt to reincarnate the dark days of press intimidation and suppression which was one of the several reasons why people put their sweats, blood and lives on the line to ensure a return to stable democracy in Nigeria.
“As an organization, we are fully and totally committed to balanced reportage in fairness to all parties. We meticulously review new reports before publishing and ensure the interest or reputation of any Nigerian is not unduly sabotaged or prejudiced by our publications. Therefore, we shall not be cowered into adulterating truth or camouflaging it.”
