Many writers around the world have either been imprisoned or killed in a circumstance that appears to be related to their profession.
It is in recognition of this that PEN International writers in prison committee in the year 1982, started what is today known as Day of the imprisoned writer to recognize and support writers who resist repression of the basic right to freedom of expression.
Correspondent Ekwi Ajide takes a look at the significance of the day which is being observed today.
The International Day of the imprisoned writer in addition to increasing the public awareness on the persecuted writers, is also used to direct attention to several specific persecuted and imprisoned writers and their individual circumstance as well as encourage the general public to take action against such suppression of information.
For a prolific writer, Professor Charles Okigbo there are two kinds of writers whose intent is to educate, inform and entertain.
While journalists educate and informs the public about government programmes and policies, fiction writer aims at educating and entertaining the public with their stories.
Professor Okigbo is of the opinion that writing is a vocation and one must be called to be able to perform.
On her part, the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Chinyere Okunna said control of writers or thinkers renders them useless as they no longer have the ability or confidence of giving voice to the voiceless.
Professor Okunna cautioned writers especially journalists to understand that their profession is public service oriented.
The State Police Public Relations Officer Mr Haruna Mohammed in his reaction stated that Police and journalists in the State have a very cordial relationship and as such, have no fears of imprisonment or harassment from any quarters.
He cautioned Police officers in the State to apply international best practices in the discharge of their duties.

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