The House of Representatives has frowned at the incessant arrest and detention of journalists by security agents in the country.
Adopting a motion under urgent matter of national importance sponsored by the federal Representative representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika constituency in the 10th National Assembly, Mr. Clement Jimbo, at the plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abass, the House contended 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 House urged the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement agencies to cautiously and democratically rely on Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 as amended by charging anyone, including journalists, to court if they have violated any law of the land instead of depriving them of their constitutional rights.
Mandating its committees on Media and National Security to ensure compliance, the lawmakers pledged to pass laws to strengthen press freedom protections, as well as conduct inquiries into recent cases of journalist detention, and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.
Jimbo, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, while moving the motion, noted 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.
Stating that the press plays a critical role in democracy as it serves as an essential ingredient for holding government accountable and ensuring transparency, he disclosed that between 2015 and 2024 there have been incessant unwarranted arrests, unlawful detentions, and several other forms of harassment and intimidation meted out on at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty.
The lawmaker warned that the arrest of journalists may lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in the country’s media space.
