The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced the relaunch of a global campaign targeting Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria and Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, made the announcement on Wednesday during the launch of the IPI Nigeria Press Freedom Hub in Abuja. The three individuals were previously listed in the organisation's "Book of Infamy" over actions alleged to have undermined press freedom and journalists' rights in Nigeria. Mojeed said the campaign had been paused following a personal appeal by Vice President Kashim Shettima at IPI Nigeria's last annual conference, in which he requested time to intervene. The institute allowed for dialogue and corrective action, but Mojeed stated that no meaningful steps had been taken. "The concerns that led to their inclusion in that list remain valid, unaddressed, and ongoing," he said. From the newly launched hub, IPI Nigeria declared it would escalate efforts to hold the individuals accountable through a global campaign. Mojeed emphasized that silence in the face of persistent violations was not an option. The Press Freedom Hub is intended as a secure base for advocacy, policy engagement, and monitoring media freedom in Nigeria and beyond. Amina Salihu, speaking at the event, described IPI Nigeria as a dependable partner of the MacArthur Foundation and praised its resource management. Dignitaries present included Garba Shehu, Lawal Abdullahi Kazaure, Ahmed Shekarau, and Aliyu Akoshile.
IPI Nigeria waited on Vice President Kashim Shettima's intervention before acting against Bago, Eno and Egbetokun, yet the same officials remain active in the alleged suppression of press freedom. The delay in launching the campaign based on a political appeal leaves journalists in those states without timely protection. If governors and a former police chief face no immediate consequences, the message is clear: public officials can disregard media rights with little cost. The new hub may offer advocacy space, but its impact depends on whether global pressure can match local power.
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