Veteran journalists, publishers and media managers in Rivers State have strongly condemned the attack on an Arise Television crew in Port Harcourt, describing the incident as a grave assault on press freedom and a dangerous signal of political desperation capable of destabilising the state.
The condemnation was made on Thursday during a world press conference in Port Harcourt convened by a coalition of media veterans under the banner of the Port Harcourt Press. The conference followed the January 2, 2026 attack on an Arise TV crew who were reportedly assaulted by armed men while conducting an interview with a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, at a hotel in the Rivers State capital.
Addressing journalists, the media executives described the incident as unprovoked, harrowing and unacceptable, noting that the forceful disruption of a media interview and the carting away of broadcast equipment amounted to intimidation of journalists and a direct threat to society.
They alleged that the attackers boasted of acting in defence of a political leader and warned against making statements critical of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike. The group described such conduct as “barbaric” and reflective of an outdated and dangerous style of politics.
The body also expressed concern over what it termed the silence and inaction of the Police since the incident, despite reports that the name of one of the alleged perpetrators had been mentioned. While acknowledging claims that the stolen equipment had been recovered, the media executives said no concrete arrests had been made, raising fears that law enforcement authorities may be compromised.
They demanded an urgent and thorough investigation into the attack, insisting that all those involved, including those who allegedly sponsored the assailants, must be arrested and prosecuted within two weeks. The group warned that failure to act decisively could lead to sanctions, including the withdrawal of media coverage of Police activities in Rivers State, in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The journalists called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju Adewole, to demonstrate professionalism and independence by ensuring a transparent investigation and prosecution of the suspects.
Beyond the attack, the media veterans warned that the incident appeared to be a test-run aimed at instilling fear in journalists ahead of future elections. They cautioned politicians against actions capable of overheating the polity, stressing that intimidation of the press poses a serious threat to democracy.
The group also urged Chief Nyesom Wike to exercise restraint and conduct himself as a statesman, reminding him that political power is transient. They expressed concern that his public statements and political activities in Rivers State often heighten tensions, despite uncertainty over his current political affiliation following his reported expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
As a serving minister in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the media executives said Wike should promote peace, tolerance and democratic values to ensure a non-violent and credible electoral process ahead of 2027.
They concluded by reaffirming their collective opposition to any attempt to suppress the press or entrench dictatorship in Rivers State, declaring their resolve to defend press freedom and democratic norms in the state.
