Journalists in Nigeria have become victims of harassment, torture, unlawful arrest, detention and physical assault by overzealous security personnel.
Despite the fact that Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy is over two decades, violence targeting journalists still remains a recurring decimal.
It is most unfortunate that illegal assaults and maltreatment of journalists still remain a big challenge to the journalism profession in Nigeria.
One of the greatest obstacles confronting the journalism profession is the indiscriminate physical and digital threat being experienced by journalists all over the country, while doing their jobs.
Last week, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja council, rose against the intimidation and harassment of journalists by personnel of the Department of State Services during the trial of the 12 detained aides of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho.
In a press statement, jointly signed by Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochiaka Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary of the council, respectively, the union noted that it had become habitual for the DSS and other security agencies to assault journalists in the legitimate performance of their duties.
The council called for an immediate end to the use of excessive force against journalists and media workers in general.
“It is unfortunate to state that reporters and photojournalists were barred from covering the previous court session. Council lamented that in recent time, violence against journalists has increased with the authorities directing aggression towards journalists, especially in terms of harassment, arbitrary detention of journalists covering events, making most journalists to be concerned about their safety,” the union said.
“Incidentally, the treatment meted out to journalists by government authorities in Nigeria is not unnoticed to the world.In February 2019, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) ranked Nigeria 120th in the global assessment of 180 countries with press freedom”
The NUJ, therefore, called on the DSS to rein in its operatives in its dealings with the media, noting that its arbitrary actions against journalists were embarrassing and further contributed to Nigeria’s poor ranking on the press freedom index.
Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.
Therefore, the intimidation of journalists by security forces is appalling and condemnable.
It is absolutely intolerable and unacceptable for members of the armed security forces to deviate from their constitutionally stated duties to begin to intimidate, harass, physically or violently attack citizens.
Analysts have said it is irritating and incredible that security operatives still see journalists as being too inquisitive and therefore treat them as enemies of the state.
No democracy can work progressively without a professional, efficient and independent media that will hold those in government to account for their actions or inactions.
Incidentally, the treatment meted out to journalists by government authorities in Nigeria is not unnoticed to the world.
In February 2019, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) ranked Nigeria 120th in the global assessment of 180 countries with press freedom.
According to the report, Nigeria has over 100 independent newspapers, and yet they are unprotected, especially when journalists report on politics, terrorism and issues of mismanagement of finances by persons in government.
“Journalists are often threatened, subjected to physical violence or denied access to information by government officials, police and sometimes the public itself,” the report said.
The media should be allowed to carry out their duties constitutionally, report factually and objectively, the stories they get in their line of duties. Media professionals should, in an ideal society, monitor the activities of all government agencies with a view to putting officials on their toes.
To forestall future attack, especially as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the Coalition of Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom has urged the Inspector General of Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the protection of journalists and election observers be given priority and that all law enforcement agencies be mandated to protect journalists and observers during elections to promote free and fair elections and further strengthen the country’s democracy.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Radio Television Theatre, and Art Workers Union of Nigeria should lead this process.
Employers should back assaulted journalists by seeking redress in court to serve as deterrent to others.
Just as they need to enforce the integrity of the media by ensuring adherence to professional standards, there is a bigger need to take effective actions in speaking against the unfair treatment of journalists in Nigeria.
