In a bold move, Nigeria’s House of Representatives is stepping up to defend press freedom, addressing the troubling issue of journalists being harassed and arrested by the police.
During a session on Thursday, lawmakers expressed their disapproval of these unwarranted arrests, emphasizing how vital a free press is to democracy.
The motion, brought forward by Hon. Clement Jimbo from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighted the negative impact these arrests have on journalists’ ability to work without fear.
“In recent times, between 2015 and 2024, there has been incessant unwarranted arrest, unlawful detention, and several other forms of harassment and intimidation meted out to at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty, which is threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy, culminating in a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech,” Jimbo pointed out.
Following a strong show of support from fellow lawmakers, the House decided to investigate these incidents and warned the police that such behavior won’t be tolerated.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
