SERAP, NGE Demand End to Repressive Laws Targeting Nigerian Journalists

On World Press Freedom Day, theSocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the Nigerian government to stop using repressive laws to target, intimidate, and harass journalists, critics, and media houses. The groups expressed serious concerns about the escalating crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom, as well as the flagrant disregard for the rule of law by authorities at all levels of government.

The suppression of press freedom can have far-reaching consequences for democracy, as it undermines the ability of citizens to hold those in power accountable. A free press is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance.

In a joint statement, SERAP and NGE noted that the suppression of the press takes various forms, including extrajudicial detentions, disappearances, malicious prosecutions, and wrongful use of legislation and law enforcement. "We would continue to speak truth to power and to hold authorities to account for their constitutional and international obligations, including on freedom of expression and media freedom," the groups declared. "Freedom of the press is one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. Journalism is not a crime; it is fundamental to a free society."

The groups urged the government of President Bola Tinubu, the 36 governors, and the FCT minister to genuinely uphold press freedom, ensure access to information to all Nigerians, obey court judgments, and respect the rule of law. They called for a review of existing laws, including the Cybercrimes Act, to reflect respect for media freedom and human rights. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was also urged to stop using its codes to clamp down on broadcast stations and impose arbitrary fines on them.

Why this matters: Nigeria has a long history of press gagging and clampdown on media freedom, with extensive state censorship of media and control of state-owned media houses. Despite 25 years of democratic rule, this situation has not changed significantly. Press freedom remains under threat due to economic challenges, digital surveillance, hacking, online harassment, andinternet shutdowns.

The call for an end to repressive laws targeting journalists and critics was made after an interactive session on 'the state of press freedom in Nigeria' held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, jointly organized by SERAP and NGE to mark World Press Freedom Day. The groups emphasized that press freedom is essential for journalists and media organizations to report freely in the public interest and contributes to transparency andaccountability of government.

Key Takeaways

• SERAP and NGE urge Nigerian government to stop targeting journalists with repressive laws.
• Suppression of press freedom undermines democracy and accountability.
• Groups call for review of laws, including Cybercrimes Act, to respect media freedom.
• NBC should stop using codes to clamp down on broadcast stations and impose fines.
• Press freedom remains under threat in Nigeria due to economic and digital challenges.