Arthur Richard
Dr. Martins Onoja’s keynote presentation at the press conference highlighted the alarming state of media freedom in Nigeria. According to Dr. Onoja, poverty is being used as a weapon against the media, making it challenging for journalists to perform their duties. He emphasized that criticism, advocacy, and litigation are essential hallmarks of democracy, and journalists should take up the challenge of promoting these values.
Dr Martins warned that attacks on the media often signal the arrival of authoritarianism, and journalists should be vigilant in defending their rights. He lamented that Nigerian politicians expect journalists to perform the duty of public relations, rather than holding those in power accountable. Journalists are now finding it difficult to breathe, and the government is doing everything to suppress press freedom. Dr. Onoja noted that if journalists uncover wrongdoing, the government often cries “national security” to silence them.
The Nigerian government, according to speakers at the press conference, is doing everything to suppress press freedom. “A particular minister can do anything and get away with it, and the government will stop at nothing to silence journalists who try to expose the truth”. They emphasized that press freedom is not a privilege, but a fundamental right that is essential for the growth and development of a nation.
The press conference served as a call to action for journalists, civil society, and all stakeholders to defend media freedom and promote a culture of transparency and accountability. They urged journalists to remain vigilant and continue to hold those in power accountable, despite the challenges they face. By doing so, Nigerians can build a more vibrant, inclusive, and responsive democracy that values press freedom and promotes the common good.
Joint press statement by Kolawole Oluwadare (SERAP) and Dr. Iyobosa Uwuagiaren (NGE):
Key Demands:
1. Review and amendment of the Cybercrime Act and other repressive laws to align with constitutional and international human rights standards.
2. Immediate release of detained journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and activists.
3. Protection of journalists and human rights defenders from threats, attacks, and detention.
4. Investigation into human rights violations and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Call for action
1. President Bola Tinubu’s government to review and amend restrictive laws.
2. National Assembly to review and amend the Cybercrime Act and drop bills targeting social media regulation.
3. State governors to drop charges against journalists and critics.
4. Attorney General to push for law amendments and and advise president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to obey court judgments.
5. International community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable and encourage respect for human rights.
To promote media freedom, human rights, and accountability in Nigeria by protecting journalists, activists, and critics from persecution and ensuring that laws are aligned with constitutional and international human rights standards.
