The House of Representatives on Thursday tasked security agents in the country to respect the provisions of the 1999 Constitution concerning press freedom and stop the indiscriminate arrest of Media Practitioners in Nigeria.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Clement Jimbo, who underscored the need to conduct inquiries into recent cases of arrest of journalists by security agents.
In his lead debate, Hon. Jimbo ​who harped on the importance of freedom of the press is sine qua non of democracy, averred that it serves as an “essential ingredient for holding Government accountable and ensuring transparency. Moreover, Journalism practise is regarded as the fourth estate of the realm.
“The House notes that 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.
The House further notes 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 Cyberstalking within the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
“The House observes that 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.
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“The House acknowledges 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. The law enforcement agents neglected this aspect and continued their clampdown on free speech.
“Regrettably, at least 10 Journalists have been arrested in the past one year and 15 of them in the last regime.
“The House is concerned that 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.
“The House is worried 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).”
To this end, the House strongly warned perpetrators of this unwholesomeness act and make it abundantly clear, that protecting the rights of journalists is not only important for upholding democracy but also for safeguarding the principles of free speech and human rights.
The lawmakers also tasked 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 lawmakers also resolved to 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.
Hence, the House mandates the joint Committees on National Security to ensure compliance.
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