The Institute for Media and Society, IMS, has joined the global community, especially media and expression stakeholders, in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, with a charge for a renewed commitment to the protection of Journalists, the creation of an enabling environment for journalism and freedom of expression work, and the promotion of democracy.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of IMS, Dr. Akin Akingbulu appreciated the contributions of Journalism and also he noted that the day is set aside to highlight the importance of free and independent media as a cornerstone of democracy and development, we see in it an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of Journalists and the media, and to seek improvement in their work and conditions.
This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other
Human Rights,” according to UNESCO, signifies ‘the enabling element of freedom of expression to
enjoy and protect all other human rights.
In Nigeria, the media has maintained a remarkable level of hard work and resilience, and it has
played an important role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Journalists and other professionals’ have frequently exposed corruption, beamed the searchlight
on human rights violations, and reported on public-interest events, issues and trends. In the
cause of these constitutionally supported contributions, Journalists have faced obstacles which
jeopardise their ability to do their work without fear or favour.
The obstacles to journalism have become more pronounced in recent times, especially in the
electoral process. During Nigeria’s recent elections, Journalists experienced attacks in the form of
physical attacks, arrests, harassment and intimidation, denial of access to election activities,
among others.
These were perpetrated by state and non-state actors.There has been the dimension of government regulation. Through imposition of arbitrary
sanctions such as heavy fines, regulatory authorities have made professional work difficult for
media professionals and media organisations.
What of legislation? A large number of anti-media legislations are in the books. They include old,
colonial era laws such as on criminal defamation, and security legislations such as those on antiterrorism and cybercrime which are used to persecute media professionals. Laws which were
enacted to establish government broadcasting outfits contains harsh censorship provisions which
hamstring editorial freedom. Equally worrisome is the rash of harsh bills proposed for passage
into law in the National Assembly.
Public policy development is also an area of critical concern. For a long time, there has been no
visible policy document for the media and expression sector. In the absence of clear policy
direction, arbitrariness and confusion rule in the making and implementation of legislations and
regulations.
As we mark World Press Freedom Day, IMS urges all stakeholders to recognise the essential role
that a free and independent media place in fostering a well-organised society and a serious
democracy.
We call on the government to develop with stakeholders, an up-to-date, International standard public policy for the information sector. (ii) Reform media legislations and broadcasting
regulations in consonance with the direction of the Media Policy (iii) make the National Human
Rights Protection Action Plan recently approved by the Federal Executive Council publicly
