A call has been made for an end to the escalating repression of press freedom and expression in Nigeria.
The request was made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on a day set aside as International Human Rights Day.
In a joint statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the organizations condemned the use of “repressive laws” like the Cybercrimes Act and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) codes to silence journalists, critics, and media outlets.
The statement highlighted a surge in attacks on journalists, with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) reporting 110 verified incidents in 2024, surpassing 2023's total.
These abuses, involving state actors, law enforcement, and private individuals, range from physical assaults and harassment to unlawful arrests and detentions.
Specific cases referred to by the organizations included the detention of staff from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) over alleged cyberstalking, police harassment of News Central TV journalists in Lagos, arrests of photojournalists covering protests in Abuja, and assaults on Channels Television journalists in Kano by unidentified individuals.
“These cases exemplify the growing dangers faced by journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
SERAP and NGE tasked the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to release all detained journalists and activists immediately, amend repressive laws, such as the Cybercrimes Act and Criminal Code Act, strengthen the independence of regulatory bodies like the NBC, and investigate and prosecute perpetrators of human rights violations.
The organizations also called on President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and the National Assembly to align national laws with international human rights standards and uphold press freedom as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and global treaties.
“The international community must hold Nigerian authorities accountable for human rights abuses and support efforts to promote freedom of expression and media independence,” they added.
The statement emphasized the fundamental role of press freedom in democracy, urging collective action to safeguard these rights.
NGE President Eze Anaba reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to the rule of law, urging vigilance and responsiveness to ongoing challenges. He also criticized the controversial court case in Ekiti State where human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was brought to court in chains for alleged libel against Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola.
“Accountability, justice, and reforms must be prioritized to protect Nigerians’ fundamental freedoms,” the statement concluded.
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