By our reporter
Concerns over press freedom and journalist safety in Imo State have intensified following allegations that Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, a senior aide to Governor Hope Uzodimma, issued violent threats against veteran journalist Anselem Anokwute.
The alleged incident occurred on Thursday in Owerri, where multiple eyewitnesses reported a heated confrontation between Nwaneri and Anokwute, a senior correspondent with Whitepapers Newspaper. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a series of investigative reports authored by Anokwute that were critical of the Uzodimma administration, focusing on controversial land deals, transport system failures, and questionable economic policies.
During the exchange, Nwaneri allegedly threatened to “unleash his boys” on the journalist and referenced taking him to his “altar and shrine,” language interpreted by many as a thinly veiled threat of spiritual or physical harm. The altercation took place in full view of other media professionals, who attempted to calm the situation but were reportedly ignored.
Anokwute is widely respected for his fearless investigative journalism and commitment to exposing corruption and misgovernance. His reporting has earned both praise and political backlash, with this latest development marking a troubling escalation in hostilities toward members of the press.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State chapter, has condemned the incident, describing it as “a dangerous attack on press freedom and a violation of democratic principles.” Several civil society groups and media watchdogs have joined in demanding an urgent and impartial investigation into the matter.
“No journalist should be threatened or intimidated for doing their job,” one media rights advocate stated. “The ability of the press to hold leaders accountable is fundamental to democracy.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither Nwaneri nor the Imo State Government has issued an official statement addressing the allegations.
Calls are mounting for immediate government action to ensure Anokwute’s safety and to affirm the rights of journalists in Imo and across Nigeria to work without fear of harassment, violence, or political intimidation.
