GTBANK: Guild of Digital Journalists Condemns Trial of Four Journalists.

GTBANK: Guild of Digital Journalists Condemns Trial of Four Journalists.

By Fly Cable News

The Guild of Digital Journalists, led by the Chairman, Opeyemi Daniel Adeoti, has taken a strong stance on the trial of four Nigerian journalists in Lagos. Rowland Olonishuwa, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, and Seun Odunlami who are facing charges due to a petition by Guaranty Trust Holding Company’s CEO, Segun Agabje, over alleged libelous publication against Guaranty Trust Bank.

Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, Adeoti condemns the treatment of these journalists, believing that no one should be treated as if they are below the law.

According to Opeyemi, The Guild, comprising 2,700 members, including bloggers, social media influencers, and microblogging enthusiasts, supported the Ogun State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists’ directive to terminate accounts with GTB and plan to escalate this into a nationwide boycott.

In our capacity, we are initiating steps to escalate this directive into a nationwide boycott of GTB as a financial institution. By the close of business today, we intend to communicate with all our members to encourage them to follow this course of action as a means of protesting against the treatment of these journalists”.

It urged stakeholders to unite in raising global awareness about the plight of the journalists.

The Guild also urged the National Assembly to review the amended Act to rectify its draconian provisions that criminalize journalists for expressing their fundamental right of freedom of expression.

Specifically, we call on the National Assembly to review the recently amended Cybercrime Act with the aim of rectifying its draconian provisions, which criminalize journalists for expressing their fundamental right of freedom of expression or potentially repealing it.

Throughout these past two months of adversity, we have encountered allies and comrades who have taken up the cause. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGI) and the legal team who have worked tirelessly to secure the release of the journalists.

The Guild equally encouraged its members to transition to alternative banks, providing a list of options to facilitate a smooth transition.

As part of the guidance provided to our members, we have compiled a list of alternative banks along with the names and contact details 6f account officers at these banks to facilitate a smooth transition away from GTB.

The Guild expresses gratitude to allies, including the National Guild of Investigative Journalists and the legal team, for their support in securing the release of the journalists. While also called on Nigerian media to provide adequate reportage of the court proceedings