A civic organization, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the escalating assaults on the media, including the alarming rise in the arrest and intimidation of journalists.
The PPDC described the threats and censorship faced by media practitioners as unacceptable and absurd. Speaking at the inaugural media convening in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Partnerships and Innovation, representing CEO Lucy James Abagi, urged the Nigerian government to cease using the Cybercrime Act to suppress the media and civic space.
The PPDC highlighted the arrest and degrading treatment of editor Segun Olatunji for exposing alleged corruption by the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, as barbaric and a threat to press freedom and democracy.
“The media and journalism are essential components of every democratic society. Part of our discussion today must address the pressing issue of the increasing arrests and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria,” the director stated. He pointed out the recent detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, held without charge for over a week after exposing corruption involving senior Nigerian officials, as a stark reminder of the hostile environment faced by independent media.
The PPDC noted that Olatunji's and Ojukwu's arrests are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of repression. The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has documented over 34 cases of journalist arrests nationwide in 2024 alone, raising concerns about the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to suppress media and civil society.
“At PPDC, we stand in solidarity with journalists and media organizations, recognizing their critical role in promoting transparency and accountability. We call on the Nigerian government to uphold the rights of journalists, ensure their protection, and foster an environment where the media can operate freely and without fear,” the director emphasized.
Senior Communications Officer Mercy Don Igwe echoed these concerns, stressing the need for the Nigerian government to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists demanding accountability from officials. She affirmed PPDC’s commitment to supporting journalists facing threats and censorship.
“In today's Nigeria, the media's role in promoting transparency and accountability is more critical than ever," said PPDC CEO Jubril Shittu. "Events like this underscore our commitment to empowering journalists and defending media freedom globally.”
The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Unwavering in the Face of Censorship: The Power of Resilient Reporting," which highlighted the challenges journalists face and strategies to maintain journalistic integrity despite censorship pressures. Distinguished speakers shared their experiences and insights on navigating hostile environments to report truthfully, emphasizing the crucial role of media organizations in safeguarding journalists and fostering transparency and accountability within the industry.
Tags
local