ALLI CALLS FOR RELEASE OF DETAINED JOURNALIST, OGA TOM UHIA.
Otukpo LG Chairman, George Alli, has joined the growing list of those calling for the release of detained 72-year old journalist, Pa. Oga Tom Uhia.
Uhia, a veteran journalist and publisher of the Power Steering Magazine has been in detention for three weeks on the orders of the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Jeddy Agba over a publication in the July edition of the magazine.
In a statement signed by the council Chairman’s adviser on Media and Gender Affairs, Oogwu Desmond, Alli said, “let me at this juncture lend my voice to the list of Benue sons and other well-meaning Nigerians to call for Pa. Oga Tom Uhia’s release. Three weeks is too long to keep someone in detention. It is either they charge him to court or have him released. Clearly, his continued incarceration without trials is a violation of his right as a Nigerian citizen “.
The chairman wondered what was the offense for a journalist of Uhiah’s standing and age to be subjected to such hardship at a time when many Nigerians from all walks of life are calling for systemic reforms.
There have been growing concerns amongst many Nigerians over Uhia’s continued detention, with many people, including Former Senator from Kaduna North and Human Rights Activist, Sen. Shehu Sani; Sen. Abba Moro: Hon. Francis Otta Agbo; Igede Youth Council; Publisher of Online Magazine, Sahara Reporters, Omoleye Sowore; jamesibechi.com, activist, Prince Deji Adeyanju; Prince; Yemi Itodo; amongst others, all calling for Uhia’s release.
The former State Lawmaker said anything that gives the impression of government clamp down on press freedom will further hurt the country’s image amongst the nations.
He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to look into the matter with a view to either charge the journalist to court or release him.
