Reps denounce arbitrary detention of journalists

Members of the House of Representatives have unanimously denounced the persistent harassment and unlawful detention of journalists in the country, noting that they are simply performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties.

Persecondnews reports that Rep. Clement Jimbo (Abak/Etomi Ekpon/Ika Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State) introduced a motion urging the House to address the persistent and unlawful arrest of journalists by law enforcement agencies.

Jimbo expressed concern over the alarming rate of journalists’ detention, emphasizing the need to safeguard the press’s constitutional role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

The Green Chamber stressed the crucial role a free and independent press plays in nurturing and maintaining a healthy democracy and issued a stern warning to those responsible for harassing journalists to immediately stop such actions.

Following the motion’s approval, the House of Representatives called on the Nigerian Police Force and all other relevant law enforcement agencies to immediately cease the harassment and unlawful detention of journalists, as well as to respect and uphold the constitutional rights of the press.

It further pledged to “pass laws to strengthen press freedom protections, conduct inquiries into recent cases of journalist detention, and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.”

Jimbo said: “There has been a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed for carrying out their professional duties, relying on the offence of Cyber-stalking within the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.

“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 and culminating in a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.”

Jimbo noted that despite the Federal Government’s efforts to promote a culture of free speech, law enforcement agencies continue to harass journalists in a persistent and unacceptable manner.

He said: “Earlier in 2024, the President signed the Amended Act with a substantial adjustment on Section 24, which listed what constitutes cyberstalking and provided the punishment for such.

“The law enforcement agents neglected this aspect and continued their clampdown on free speech.

“Regrettably, at least 10 journalists have been arrested in the past year, and 15 of them in the last regime.”

If this alarming trend persists unchecked, he warned that the journalism profession may become virtually impossible to pursue, as the constant harassment and intimidation would render it too hazardous and untenable.

He added: “The House is concerned that apart from this arrest of journalists and its consequences, it may lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in the country’s media space, and this Fourth Republic democracy will be impugned by her admirers due to the excesses of those perpetuating this act of arbitrary absolutism.

“The House is worried that the arrest in March 2024 of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, in particular, was most disturbing as his commando-style arrest came barely 43 hours after this year’s World Press Day.

“Actions like this have led to international opinion rating Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous places to practice by Reporters Without Borders.”