By Maryam Aminu
A Prominent Nigerian activist and CEO of Connected Development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal, has issued a grave warning about the escalating harassment and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria, describing it as a direct assault on the nation’s democracy.
In a powerful statement on August 26, 2024, Lawal condemned the ongoing attacks on the press, stressing the need for immediate government action to protect journalists and preserve press freedom.
Lawal expressed his deep concern over a series of recent incidents targeting journalists, including the detention of Juwon Soyinka, the West Africa Regional Editor of The Conversation and pioneer editor of BBC Pidgin.
Lawal argued that Soyinka’s arrest upon his return to Nigeria serves as a chilling message to the media and a broader attempt to silence free speech.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, particularly the relentless intimidation of our journalists,” Lawal stated. “For years, the press has stood as a crucial ally in the fight for a prosperous Nigeria. To undermine their freedom is to threaten the very pillars of our democracy.”
Lawal highlighted that harassment of journalists is becoming alarmingly frequent, referencing the recent attacks on more than 56 journalists during the “#End Bad Governance” protests earlier this month.
He condemned these actions as a dangerous erosion of press freedom and called on the Nigerian government to recognize the essential role of a free press in holding power accountable.
“A free press is the lifeblood of any democracy. Journalists must be able to work without fear or interference, to ensure that truth and accountability prevail in our society,” Lawal emphasized.
He also underscored international frameworks such as the United Nations’ Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and Democracy and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), both of which stress the importance of protecting journalists from intimidation and violence.
“These global conventions highlight the need for protecting journalists, not just as a matter of human rights, but as a cornerstone of democratic governance,” he added.
While emphasizing the vital role of the press in combating corruption and promoting good governance, he urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the protection of journalists, asserting that this is essential for building trust and ensuring the survival of the nation’s democracy.
“Protecting the press is not just about safeguarding individuals. It’s about upholding the rights of all citizens and creating an environment where democracy can truly flourish,” Lawal added.
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