The federal and state governments have been urged by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) to guarantee the security and protection of media organisations and journalists during the upcoming general elections in 2023 and beyond.
At a press conference held in honour of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in Lagos, Mr. Ayode Longe, Director of Programs for MRA, made the call.
The occasion also served to commemorate the UN Plan of Action’s 10-year anniversary and the problem of impunity for crimes against journalists.
Longe enumerated a number of offences, violations, and acts of violence against journalists, including murders that MRA and others documented but that went unpunished, escalating impunity.
According to him, the police and other security and law enforcement services that are supposed to work together and safeguard journalists have really turned into instruments in the hands of powerful individuals who abuse and threaten them.
According to Longe, investigations into the murders of 19 journalists since May 1999 have not yet resulted in the arrest or prosecution of any suspects.
“As the 2023 General Elections draw near, we see attacks on journalists and media houses escalating and so we need to cry out early to draw attention to this forthcoming escalation of attacks and call on the Nigerian government to take proactive action so our fear will not come to pass,” he said.
According to him, all levels of government must fulfil their obligation to thoroughly investigate all attacks and bring those responsible to justice in order to give journalists again the confidence to carry out their jobs.
He urged the Federal Government to create and implement strong systems to safeguard journalists’ safety and security.
“We once again call on the Federal Government to establish a specialised team of prosecutors to facilitate the effective investigation and the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against journalists and other media workers.”
He said this would enable Nigeria to fulfill its regional and international treaty obligations to ensure the safety of journalists.
“The Federal Government should fully implement the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 and enlighten law enforcement agencies and the general public on torture and the provisions of the Act.
“The Federal Government should comply with and give effect to all judgments delivered by national, regional and international courts on freedom of expression and media freedom,” he said.
Longe asked the Federal Government to swiftly repeal any regulations that violated international principles for media freedom and freedom of expression.
He also demanded that national and regional courts amend or remove legislation that violate the Nigerian Constitution or international agreements.
He urged Nigerians to support the campaigns for the protection of journalists in order to keep the government accountable and see that those responsible for their attacks are brought to justice.
