The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has placed the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, and two state governors on its newly unveiled Book of Infamy, while recognising the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his positive engagement with the media.
The Book of Infamy was presented on Tuesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the Second Conference and Annual General Meeting of IPI Nigeria.
The first three individuals listed include the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, and Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, alongside IGP Egbetokun. According to IPI Nigeria, Egbetokun was listed for repeatedly ignoring appeals to curb the unlawful arrest and harassment of journalists by police officers across the country.
Governor Umo Eno reportedly barred Channels Television’s crew from covering activities within the Akwa Ibom State Government House, while Governor Bago ordered the shutdown of Badeggi FM, a privately owned radio station. Despite interventions and appeals from IPI Nigeria urging them to reverse their decisions, both governors refused to reconsider.
In contrast, DSS DG Ajayi was honoured for his demonstrated willingness to engage constructively with media stakeholders. His leadership was credited with notable improvements, including the removal of International Press Centre Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, from the government watchlist after nearly four decades, as well as the prompt release of journalists wrongfully detained by the secret police.
Responding to the presentation, Vice President Shettima commended the work of IPI Nigeria and pledged to personally engage the individuals named. He invited IPI President Musikilu Mojeed to accompany him on an upcoming visit to Akwa Ibom State to settle the dispute involving Governor Eno and Channels TV. Shettima also expressed readiness to reach out to Governor Bago and IGP Egbetokun, whom he described as a close associate.