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PDP Caucus in House of Representatives Condemns Harassment of Media, Calls on Buhari to Uphold Press Freedom

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the harassment of media outlets, particularly Channels Television, and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to uphold press freedom. The caucus, led by Hon. Kingsley Chinda, warned against the breach of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression and, by extension, press freedom.

The PDP caucus cited the recent arrest of members of Channels Television staff by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the National Broadcasting Commission's (NBC) issuance of a Notice of Infraction against Channels Television for interviewing Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State. The caucus expressed concern that Nigeria is drifting into a near Hobbesian state amidst the raging insecurity and daily carnage experienced across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the harassment of media outlets, particularly Channels Television, by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
  • The caucus warned against the breach of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression and, by extension, press freedom.
  • The PDP caucus cited the recent arrest of members of Channels Television staff by the DSS and the NBC's issuance of a Notice of Infraction against Channels Television for interviewing Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.
  • The caucus expressed concern that Nigeria is drifting into a near Hobbesian state amidst the raging insecurity and daily carnage experienced across the country.
  • The PDP caucus called on President Muhammadu Buhari to uphold press freedom and immediately direct all relevant organs of State to desist from any further harassment of media outlets.
  • The caucus also called for the immediate and unconditional release of any journalist arrested and/or detained by any law enforcement agency simply for exercising his/her journalistic license.
  • Nigerians are reminded that press freedom is a universal right and an integral component of democratic governance, and any attempt to shrink, constrict or otherwise take away this freedom must be viewed as an attempt to undermine the nation's democracy.
  • The PDP caucus cited the report by Reporters without Borders (RSF) that Nigeria has emerged as the most dangerous place in West Africa for journalists, as evidence of the assault on press freedom under the Buhari administration.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria has emerged as the most dangerous place in West Africa for journalists, according to a survey released by global media advocacy organization, Reporters without Borders (RSF) to mark the 2020 World Press Freedom Day.
  • Twitter, the micro-blogging site, was suspended from operating in Nigeria since Friday 4th June 2021, on the allegation that Twitter had allowed its platform to be used 'for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence'.
  • Tens of millions of citizens who engage the government and exercise their right to free speech using the platform have been cut off as a result of the suspension.

Sources:

  • "Notice of infraction issued by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) against Channels Television - an abuse of democracy - another move to stifle press freedom," a statement by Hon. Kingsley Chinda, PDP-Rivers.
  • Report by Reporters without Borders (RSF) on the 2020 World Press Freedom Day.
  • Federal High Court of Nigeria, Suit No.: FHC/CS/1136/2020, between Rep. Kingsley Chinda and 8 Ors v. Minister of Information and 2 Ors.

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