The House of Representatives on Thursday, July 11, asked security agents in the country to respect the provisions of the nation’s laws regarding press freedom and stop the indiscriminate arrest of journalists.
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In adopting a motion of urgent public importance by Clement Jimbo, the Reps resolved to consult inquiries into recent cases of arrest of journalists by security agents.
The House warned against the indiscriminate arrest of journalists, urging those involved in such unwholesome acts to desist.
It emphasized that protecting journalists’ rights is crucial not only for upholding democracy but also for safeguarding the principles of free speech and human rights.
The House urge the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement agencies to cautiously and democratically rely on Section 24 of Cybercrime Act 2015 as Amended and/or charge anyone including journalists to court if they have violated any law of the land instead of depriving them of their constitutional right.
The House said it will pass laws to strengthen press freedom protections, as well as conducts inquiries into recent cases of journalist detention, and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure government to respect press freedom.
Hon. Jimbo said freedom of the press is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 subsection (1) of the 1999 constitution as Amended which guarantees journalists the ability to report news without fear of arrest or persecution, adding that freedom of the press is sine qua non of democracy, it serves as essential ingredient for holding Government accountable and ensuring transparency.
He said journalism practice is regarded as the fourth estate of the realm, adding that there has been a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed for carrying out their professional duties relying on the offence of Cyber-Stalking within the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
According to him, in recent times, between 2015 and 2024 there has been incessant unwarranted arrest, unlawful detention and several other forms of harassment and intimidation meted on at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty, which is threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy, and culminating into a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.
He recalled that earlier this year 2024, the President signed the Amended Act with a substantial adjustment on section 24, which listed what constitutes cyber-stalking and provided the punishment for such.
He regretted that the law enforcement agents neglect this aspect and continued their clampdown on free speech.
According to him, at least 10 journalists have been arrested in the past one year and 15 of them in the last regime.
He said apart from this arrest of Journalists and its consequences, it may lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in the country’s media space, and this fourth republic democracy will be impugned by her admirers due to the excesses of those perpetuating this act of arbitrary absolutism.
He maintained that the arrest in March 2024 of Mr. Ojukwu, in particular, was most disturbing as his commando-style arrest came barely 43 hours after this year’s World Press Day. Actions like this has led to international opinion rating Nigeria as one of W/African’s most dangerous places to practice by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
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