ENDING IMPUNITY AGAINST JOURNALISTS

** Government must take steps to curb violence against journalists**

The ability of the citizenry to make sound judgment about policy is the fulcrum upon which an informed society leans. Such would be almost impossible without the news, information and analysis that the media provides. But the Nigerian environment remains hostile to journalists who risk their lives in pursuit of truth and holding the people in power accountable. In many instances, especially in some states, reporters are repressed and detained even without any court warrant for their critical reporting. In recent years, security personnel acting on behalf of some powerful individuals in both the public and private sectors have deployed Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, the law’s cyberstalking provision, and Section 27, which deals with conspiracy and related offences, to detain and prosecute journalists.

The 2026 ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’, being observed today throughout the world, therefore provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the safety and wellbeing of journalists. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013. It is indeed most fitting that the theme for this year’s ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’, is ‘Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies’.

Nigeria “is one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists, who are regularly monitored, attacked and arbitrarily arrested”, according to Reporters Without Borders. “Despite timid attempts to promote press freedom by amending certain articles of the cybercrime law in 2024, at least eight journalists have since been wrongfully prosecuted, arrested, or detained under this legislation, which poses a threat to investigative journalism.”

The media is the fourth estate of the realm and its watchdog role is clearly captured under Section 22 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, which provides that, “the press, radio, television and other agencies of mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.” It is therefore a given that no society can thrive without a robust, virile and vibrant media to gauge the pulse of the public, offer institutional check on government’s abuse of power and make the powerful accountable to the people.

However, journalists must also stand and be counted in the service of justice. At all times and in all circumstances, they must ask salient questions, tell interesting stories, and inspire those in power to do the right thing. But above all, it is also important to be mindful of the operating environment and the need for balance and sensitivity to the culture and diversity of our people. We therefore call on the government to uphold the right to freedom of expression reflected in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 and in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the General Assembly in 1966.

We urge the government, at all levels, to take appropriate steps in curbing violence, threats and attacks against journalists and media workers. Public officials must also refrain from actions that could be seen as instigating violence against journalists for doing their job. But the onus is also on media organisations to set editorial templates that will mitigate the effect of fake news and breaches of professional standards. While the advent of social media may have raised serious questions about the future of traditional media, there can be no doubt that journalists will continue to matter, as they play the critical role of informing the citizens and keeping those in power accountable.