Journalist Condemns Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s Comment On Journalism Profession, Demands Apology
By Sunday Etuka
Press freedom advocate and journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, has condemned remarks attributed to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri Erewa suggesting there is no journalism in Nigeria and demanded public apology to journalists.
In a statement issued on Monday, Victor described remarks as insensitive, dismissive and deeply troubling, particularly coming from someone whose career was built on the foundation of journalism.
He said before venturing into politics and serving as member of House of Representatives for Ikorodu Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2015, Dabiri Erewa established herself as broadcaster and journalist with Nigerian Television Authority where she was widely recognised as presenter and anchor of Newsline.
According to him, her professional journey demonstrates the important role journalism can play in shaping public influence, informing citizens and preparing individuals for leadership in public service.
Victor said it is disappointing that someone who benefited from opportunities and public recognition that journalism provides would make statements that many journalists could reasonably interpret as an insult to the profession.
He said, “You cannot discredit the entire profession simply because you are dissatisfied with its present condition. Criticism is legitimate, but it must be responsible, constructive and respectful of the people who continue to keep the profession alive.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s journalism industry comprises thousands of professionals who work under difficult conditions to inform the public, expose wrongdoing, hold public officials accountable and defend democratic rights of citizens, with many facing intimidation, harassment, unlawful detention and threats.
Victor noted that while ethical violations, misinformation, political interference and declining professional standards deserve attention, challenges should be addressed through reform and renewed commitment to ethics rather than declarations suggesting profession has lost relevance.
He said, “If journalism is facing a crisis, the appropriate response is to help rebuild it, strengthen its ethical standards and protect the independence of journalists. It is not to insult those who are still doing work under difficult circumstances.”
He cautioned public officials against making statements that could undermine public confidence in media and urged Dabiri Erewa to clarify remarks and issue unreserved public apology to Nigerian journalists.
He added that journalism remains one of the most important pillars of democratic governance and its contribution to democracy cannot be erased by careless statements
.
