A Non-Governmental, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), has decried frequent and unwarranted arrest and harassment of journalists in the course of discharging their duties as the watchdog for society.
It has, therefore, called on the government and other critical stakeholders to ensure that steps are taken to strengthen legal protections for journalists to ensure they could work without intimidation or harassment in line with the spirit and letters of press freedom.
Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Jubril Shittu, who spoke on Thursday in Abuja,
a maiden media convening, advocate for the repeal or amendment of laws that restrict press freedom, such as the Cybercrime Act.
Shittu who cited the recent detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, held without charge for over a week, and the arrest of journalists like Segun Olatunji, disclosed that in 2024 alone, over 34 cases of arrests nationwide have been documented.
He specifically urged the Federal Government to uphold the rights of journalists and their protection across the country in view of their significant role in the development of the nation.
He said: “The media and Journalism remains an essential component of every democratic society. Part of our discussion today, must address a pressing issue that threatens the very foundation of our democratic society: the increasing arrests and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria.
“The recent detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, held without charge for over a week, is a stark reminder of the hostile environment faced by independent media. Ojukwu’s arrest, following his exposure of corruption involving senior Nigerian officials, underscores the dangers faced by those who dare to hold power accountable.
“This is not an isolated incident. The arrest of journalists like Segun Olatunji, who was detained and mistreated reflects a broader pattern of repression.
“In today’s Nigeria, the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability is more critical than ever.
“These actions threaten press freedom and undermine our democracy. So far in 2024, our partners at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have documented over 34 cases of arrests nationwide.
“We are increasingly concerned that the Cybercrime Act is being used to suppress the media and civil society as a whole.
“At PPDC, we stand in solidarity with journalists and media organizations, recognizing their critical role in promoting transparency and accountability.
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“We call on the Nigerian government to uphold the rights of journalists, ensure their protection, and foster an environment where the media can operate freely and without fear,” he stated.
Head of Communication of Munachi Okoro, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), said the media convening was organized to bring together influential voices from the media to address pressing issues affecting journalism and media freedom in Nigeria.
Okoro said theme of the event was “Exploring Critical Issues and Fostering Collaboration in the Media Landscape”, saying this would serve as an opportunity for a discourse on some of the ways the PPDC could collaborate, forge and straighten partnership with the media in a way to promote PPDC’s programe areas which are beneficial for citizens.
She reaffirmed that the event was particularly put together to addressed recent challenges, including the alarming increase in arrests and intimidation of journalists.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Unwavering in the Face of Censorship: The power of Resilient Reporting,” which highlighted the challenges journalists face and strategies to uphold journalistic integrity despite censorship pressures.
Some of the panelists shared their experiences and insights on navigating hostile environments to report truthfully. The dialogue also emphasized the crucial role of media organizations in safeguarding journalists and fostering a climate of transparency and accountability within the industry.
“Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental organization and social enterprise driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government and to increase citizens’ participation in governance processes,” Okoro said.
