In a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for the immediate reversal of the ban imposed on 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the presidential villa.
The organization emphasizes the need to restore the accreditation of those affected and enable them to carry out their constitutional duty of holding those in power accountable.
The plea was conveyed through a letter signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Exclusive Stories, News Reports, and Engaging Content. {Click Here}
According to reports, the Federal Government recently withdrew the accreditation of the journalists, leading to their exclusion from covering events at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Prominent media outlets such as Vanguard, Galaxy TV, Ben TV, MITV, ITV Abuja, PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty have been affected by the ban. The move has prompted SERAP to assert that this action undermines media freedom, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.
In the letter dated August 26, 2023, SERAP urged President Tinubu to publicly instruct officials at the presidential villa to allow journalists and media houses to freely carry out their responsibilities. The organization stressed that media freedom, access to information, and citizens’ participation are essential components of a democratic and rule of law-based society.
ALSO READ:Â How Sanwo-Olu Sidelined GAC Leaders, Assembly Members In Appointments
SERAP asserted that the ban on journalists contradicts their constitutional right to access information and participate in the government. The organization warned that failure to address this issue within 48 hours of receiving or publishing the letter could lead to legal action to ensure compliance with the request.
The group also highlighted that the ban negatively impacts citizens’ access to vital information about the government’s operations. This, they argue, is a violation of Nigerians’ constitutional right to receive such information. SERAP emphasized that media freedom is crucial for maintaining an open and accountable government.
President Tinubu’s administration cited security concerns and overcrowding in the press gallery area as reasons for the ban. However, SERAP contended that these justifications do not outweigh the importance of media freedom and citizens’ rights to access information and participate in governance.
SERAP concluded by urging President Tinubu to take meaningful steps to uphold media freedom, ensure access to information, and guarantee citizens’ participation in the government’s affairs. The organization emphasized that such actions would align with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.
The outcome of this appeal will undoubtedly influence the state of media freedom and transparency within Nigeria’s political landscape, as well as its adherence to international human rights standards.
