Nigeria, Dec. 4 -- The Akwa Ibom State Government has rejected its inclusion in the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria's Book of Infamy, insisting that Governor Umo Eno has never repressed journalists in the state.

Musikilu Mojeed, the president of the IPI Nigeria, announced Mr Eno on Tuesday as one of the three Nigerian officials blacklisted for serious violations of press freedom and democratic norms in the country.

The other two blacklisted officials are Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State and the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, while the IPI Nigeria honoured the Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi, for exemplary conduct in protecting journalists.

According to the IPI Nigeria, Govern...