I-CSPJ decries alleged threat on Journalist, Ebule Anthony’s life … Calls on Govt, security agencies to ensure his safety

By CHINYERE Nnaemeka

IPC’S Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), has expressed worry over the alleged threat on the life of the Editor-in-Chief of Fresh Angle International Newspaper, Ebule Anthony Metsese, and so has called on the Nigerian Government, security agencies to ensure no harm comes to the Journalist.

The centre which made the call on Monday in a Release signed by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, and availed newsmen, pointed out that the time has come to stop attacks on journalists in Nigeria so the country would stop being counted among dangerous zones for journalists to practice.

According to the information reaching I-CSPJ, Ebule Metsese raised alarm over alleged recurring threats to his life as a result of the controversial developments in Warri Kingdom.

They continued that Ebule said the most recent of such threats was connected to the incident that happened at Okere Community in Warri, Saturday, March 2, 2024.

In a report filed, Ebule narrated, “As an indigene of Okere Community and a seasoned Mass Communicator, who understands and practice the concept of Social Responsibility Theory of the Media, I decided not to publish the event that happened in my beloved Okere Community on that fateful day. Shockingly, despite our (Me and other members of Fresh Angle International Editorial Team) decision to play down on what transpired at Okere, there have been series of warnings, directly or indirectly targeted at me (Ebule Anthony Metsese) insisting that if I publish any report regarding the incident, I will be severely dealt with.”

He further stated that the threats are not unconnected with the patronage Fresh Angle International Newspaper gets from some persons. “Interestingly some persons in the quarters where the threats are coming from, occasionally patronize Fresh Angle International through proxies, whilst making remarks that impugn on the professional integrity of Fresh Angle International Newspaper in their private and social gatherings.

“A few others from the threat axis, have never bothered to patronize Fresh Angle International Newspaper, whenever they have need to do any form of publicity, rather they enjoy blackmail against Fresh Angle International and are on the trajectory of intimidating members of our Editorial Team, particular me, the Editor-In-Chief. I consider this a deliberate strategy to censor reports from this fast-growing Newspaper, enjoying increasing global appeal,” the report stated.

I-CSPJ therefore enjoined anyone who may be aggrieved over the reports by the organisation or its Editor-in -Chief to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.