The Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has been removed from the Department of State Services’ watchlist.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Legal Adviser and Chairman of the International Press Institute Nigeria Advocacy Committee, Mr. Tobi Soniyi.
According to the statement, IPI President, Mr Muskilu Mojeed, made the announcement on Tuesday at the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit, hosted by Journalism Clinic and attended by top editors and media executives across the country, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Mojeed revealed that the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, personally informed IPI Nigeria of the decision during a recent engagement, adding that the decision followed “sustained pressure” by the Institute.
“The DSS decision followed a sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Mr Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. The renewed campaign became necessary when Mr. Arogundade’s name was not removed despite previous assurance.
“For about 40 years, Mr Arogundade was subjected to persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“IPI Nigeria says it welcomes the decision and commends the DSS for finally removing Mr. Arogundade’s name from the watchlist,” the statement read in part.
Mr Arogundade has been on the security agency’s watchlist since he served as President of the National Association of Nigerian Students between 1984 and 1985.
Media executives present at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement while Mr. Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude and that of his family to IPI Nigeria for the commendable effort.
