The Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) said the Department of State Security (DSS) has removed the name of its executive director, International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, from its watchlist after about 40 years.
IPI Nigeria president Mr Musikilu Mojeed announced this on Tuesday in Abeokuta at the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit convened by Journalism Clinic, led by veteran journalist Taiwo Obe, with media owners and top editors in attendance.
Mojeed said the DSS director-general, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, informed IPI Nigeria of the development during a recent engagement with the Service.
He said, “The DSS decision followed a sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. The renewed campaign became necessary when, despite previous assurances, Arogundade’s name was not removed.
“For about 40 years, 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 Arogundade’s name from the watchlist.
The legal adviser/chairman of the advocacy committee, IPI, Tobi Soniyi, said that media executives at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement. At the same time, Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude to IPI Nigeria and his family for the commendable effort.
Arogundade’s journey to the watchlist started during the military regime when he served as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president between 1984 and 1985.