Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the police and other law enforcement agencies to adhere to the amended Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, charging individuals, including journalists, in court if they violate any laws instead of depriving them of their constitutional rights.
The House also urged the passage of laws to strengthen press freedom protections, conduct inquiries into recent cases of journalists’ detention, and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.
The resolution of the House was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought by Hon. Clement Jimbo, member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.
The motion titled, ‘Motion to Address the Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Journalists is Recognising the Importance of Press Freedom in Nigeria’.
The lawmaker noted that the freedom of the press is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 subsection (1) of the 1999 constitution, as amended. This provision guarantees journalists the ability to report news without fear of arrest or persecution.
The lawmaker emphasised the role of journalists in a democracy, saying the House is aware that press freedom is essential for democracy, serving as a critical tool for holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency. Journalism is rightly regarded as the fourth estate of the realm, playing a pivotal role in democratic societies.
Addressing recent violations against journalists, the House further notes a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed while performing their professional duties, often under the pretext of Cyber-Stalking offences within the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
“Between 2015 and 2024, at least 25 journalists have faced unwarranted arrests, unlawful detention, and various forms of harassment and intimidation. These actions threaten the very foundation of democracy and constitute a breach of the constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.
“The House in recent legislative efforts and continuing issues, acknowledges that earlier in 2024, the president signed an amended Act with substantial adjustments to Section 24, which clarifies what constitutes cyber-stalking and prescribes the punishment for such offences. Despite this, law enforcement agents continue their clampdown on free speech, with at least 10 journalists arrested in the past year and 15 during the previous regime.
The lawmaker said the House is concerned that these arrests and their consequences may worsen the climate for investigative and independent journalism in Nigeria.
Such actions threaten to undermine the country’s democracy and damage its international reputation, with Nigeria being rated as one of West Africa’s most dangerous places to practice journalism by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), he noted.
In adopting the motion, the House said it’s particularly worried about the arrest in March 2024 of Mr. Ojukwu, whose commando-style detention occurred barely 43 hours after World Press Day. Such actions contribute to the negative international perception of Nigeria’s press freedom environment, it said.
The House in a bid to address the concern urged a strong warning to be sent to the perpetrators of the unlawful acts, emphasising the importance of protecting journalists’ rights for the sake of democracy, free speech, and human rights. The House further mandated the Committees on National Security to ensure compliance with these resolutions.
Source: The Nation
