In a long-overdue act of justice, the Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) has announced the removal of veteran journalist and Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, from the Department of State Services (DSS) watchlist—after nearly four decades.
The announcement was made by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, during the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The summit, convened by Journalism Clinic and led by veteran journalist Taiwo Obe, brought together prominent media owners and senior editors from across the country.
According to a statement signed by IPI Legal Adviser and Chairman of its Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, formally informed IPI Nigeria of the decision during a recent engagement with the intelligence agency.
The DSS decision followed sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. It noted that the renewed campaign became necessary when Arogundade’s name was not removed despite previous assurance.
“For about forty years, Mr Arogundade was subjected to persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,” it stated.
IPI Nigeria said it welcomed the decision and commended the DSS for finally removing Arogundade’s name from its watchlist.
Media executives present at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement while Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude and that of his family to IPI Nigeria for the commendable effort.
PlatinumPost reports that Arogundade’s journey to the watchlist started during the military regime when he served as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1984 and 1985.
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