By Onileere Tomisin |
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) held a virtual meeting with journalists from across the globe to discuss the state of press freedom and the challenges facing the media. Moderated by Wemimo Adewumi, the meeting featured panelists who shared their insights and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of a free and independent press, especially in Nigeria.
Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director of WSCIJ, opened the discussion by stressing that the media plays a crucial role in promoting public awareness and accountability. “The media needs an independent nation, just as an independent nation needs the media,” Alaka said, underscoring the importance of ensuring press freedom in Nigeria.
Mr. Adejuwon Soyinka, Regional Editor for West Africa, reflected on his early experiences as a journalist during the final years of Nigeria’s military regime. He recounted the harsh treatment journalists endured, including arrests and home invasions. Soyinka noted that while the transition to democracy brought hope, journalists still face significant challenges, including criminalization. “Journalism is not a crime, and journalists are not criminals,” Soyinka asserted.
Mrs. Justina Asiahana, Niger State correspondent for The Nation newspaper, highlighted the ongoing restrictions on press freedom due to recent laws that limit journalists’ ability to perform their duties. She pointed out that defamation laws, both civil and criminal, are being used to silence journalists, creating a hostile environment for the profession.
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, principal and lead counsel at Inibehe Effiong Chambers, stated that the press is an essential institution in any democratic state. He warned that suppressing media freedom could hinder national development and called on journalists to resist efforts to frustrate their work. “Media personalities must not allow frustrations to stop them from carrying out their assignments,” Effiong said.
Mrs. Busola Ajibola, Deputy Director of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CGID), urged journalists not to shy away from investigative reporting, despite the risks involved. She encouraged young journalists to join professional associations and actively advocate for press freedom, noting that avoiding critical investigations would severely harm Nigeria’s democracy.
Media development specialist Mr. Arogundade stressed the need for systematic documentation of attacks on journalists. He also called on security agencies to address the restrictions imposed on the press, arguing that such limitations undermine the role of journalism in society.
During the interactive session, Mr. Ajibola, a participant, emphasized the need for concrete action to follow discussions like this. He called for collaboration between journalists and stakeholders to push for judicial intervention that protects press freedom. He pointed to the example of the United States, where laws protect the press and ensure journalists’ safety in the course of their duties.
An overseas participant also stressed the importance of Nigerian journalists stepping up their game by ensuring the accuracy of their reports before publication.
In conclusion, participants and panelists agreed on the importance of a collective effort to safeguard press freedom. Media practitioners, civil society organizations, and the human rights community must work together to ensure that targeted journalists are not left without support. It was also noted that the judiciary has a critical role in educating those who oppose the press to prevent unwarranted allegations against journalists.
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