Online news platform Peoples Gazette has accused the Federal Government of disrupting access to its website.
Managing editor Samuel Ogundipe in a statement on Wednesday obtained by Premium Times alleged the disruption began on Tuesday following a directive from the government to telecommunications firms in the country.
He said: “Our internal assessments and notes from our readers indicate a total restriction on our website for people connecting via MTN, Glo Mobile and Airtel, i.e.: a vast majority of Nigerian Internet users.
“Since our inception, we have diligently carried out our sole duty of bringing to public awareness, the rot that exists in our public and private institutions. We have exposed the abuse of power by government officials, agencies, and cronies; corrupt practices in the public and private sectors and flagrant abuse of human rights and the rule of law by security agencies.
“Despite intimidation, threats, harassment and offers of jaw-dropping financial and material inducement from powerful people in and out of government, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to the truth, with courage and nothing else.
“These new tactics that strive to screen Nigerians off independent and truthful journalism are a dagger in the relics of press freedom – another despotic turn in Nigeria’s descent into full-blown dictatorship under Muhammadu Buhari.”
Launched in 2020, Peoples Gazette has been critical of the Buhari administration.
Mr Ogundipe said that while the company seeks solution to the challenge, its readers can access alternative channels.
“All our stories will also be replicated on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GazetteNGR. We also encourage our readers to create or replicate their own digital solidarity platforms for sharing stories by Peoples Gazette,” he said.
Ikechukwu Adinde spokesperson of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which regulates mobile networks has yet to respond to calls put across to him, the online newspaper reports.
