Oguntoye Sodiq
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to unequivocally commit to safeguarding journalists in Nigeria and to put an end to the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists by ensuring that government officials and non-state actors who attack journalists are appropriately punished by the Law.
This statement was issued by MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Mr. Ojo expressed deep concern on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, emphasizing that despite numerous and recurring attacks against journalists in Nigeria, with at least 19 journalists losing their lives over the years, no one has faced charges or been penalized for these offenses. This situation, he contends, suggests a tacit acceptance of such violence with no consequences.
The organization highlighted that it has been a decade since the United Nations General Assembly designated November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, urging all Member States, including Nigeria, to take every measure to prevent violence against journalists. This includes conducting impartial and swift investigations into alleged violence, prosecuting perpetrators, and providing appropriate remedies for victims.
MRA emphasized that States should create a safe environment for journalists to work independently, free from interference. This can be achieved through legislative measures, education within the legal and law enforcement sectors, as well as among journalists, civil society, and the military, regarding international human rights and humanitarian law obligations.
The organization expressed regret that in the past decade, the Federal Government has not demonstrated tangible efforts toward fulfilling these requirements. Attacks against journalists and media workers persist, often with impunity, including acts condemned by the UN resolution such as torture, extrajudicial killings, physical violence, arbitrary detention, intimidation, and harassment.
Ojo pointed out that given President Tinubu’s ownership of a media outlet, he is undoubtedly aware of the vital role media plays in an informed society. He emphasized that journalists’ work often exposes them to risks of intimidation and violence.
“We hope that being better informed about these issues than his predecessors in office, the President will direct the relevant officials and agencies in his Administration to take necessary steps and work with other media stakeholders, including media professional bodies and civil society organizations, to establish a national mechanism for ensuring the safety of journalists and ending impunity for crimes against journalists.”