By Emmanuel Kwada
Chief Sunny Sylvester Moniedafe, popularly known as the Jagaban Jimeta, has thrown his weight behind embattled journalist and Chief Executive Officer of Zij Online TV, Zaiyad Ismaila, condemning what he described as growing attempts by political actors to intimidate and silence members of the media in Adamawa State.
Moniedafe’s intervention follows allegations by Ismaila that he was physically assaulted and threatened with death over the content of a political programme aired on his online television platform.
In a strongly worded statement made available to TGNEWS, the respected Adamawa political stakeholder expressed deep concern over the reported threats and attacks directed at the journalist, warning that any assault on media practitioners constitutes an attack on democracy itself.
According to him, journalists play a critical role in holding public office holders accountable and exposing injustice, corruption and poor leadership, stressing that no politician should attempt to gag the media for carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
“The media remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy. Any attempt to intimidate, harass or silence journalists because of their reports or programmes is unacceptable and dangerous to our democratic values,” Moniedafe stated.
The Jagaban Jimeta lamented what he described as an emerging trend where some politicians and their supporters resort to threats and intimidation whenever issues concerning governance, accountability and public interest are brought to public attention.
He argued that the proper response to criticism or opposing views should be engagement through lawful and democratic means rather than violence, threats or abuse of influence.
Moniedafe specifically expressed solidarity with Zaiyad Ismaila, saying the journalist should not be left to face intimidation alone for providing a platform where citizens can freely express their opinions on public affairs.
He called on security agencies and relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the allegations surrounding the assault and threats against the media executive and ensure that justice is served.
“No journalist should live in fear because he performed his professional duty. Freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and must be protected at all costs,” he said.
The elder statesman further urged media practitioners across Adamawa State and Nigeria to remain professional, courageous and committed to ethical journalism despite increasing challenges confronting the profession.
He also called on civil society organisations, human rights groups, media unions and democratic institutions to remain vigilant and defend press freedom against any form of intimidation or suppression.
Moniedafe warned that attempts to silence critical voices could undermine democratic accountability and weaken public trust in governance.
“The strength of any democracy is measured by how well it protects dissenting voices and independent journalism. We must never allow fear to replace freedom or intimidation to replace dialogue,” he added.
The Jagaban Jimeta reaffirmed his commitment to defending democratic values, justice and the rights of journalists to operate freely without fear of harassment, assault or political persecution.
His remarks come amid growing concerns among media stakeholders over the safety of journalists covering political developments and public affairs in Adamawa State and across the country.
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