The incident at the National Assembly on Wednesday, where security agents barred journalists from entering the premises, underscores a concerning disregard for press freedom and the established protocols for media access. The actions of the security personnel, who cited “orders from above” while preventing journalists without permanent identification cards from entering, raise serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the decision-making process within the legislative arm of government. This incident not only disrupted the journalists’ ability to perform their duties but also created an environment of intimidation and hostility towards members of the press.
The security agents’ insistence on barring journalists even after explanations regarding the delayed issuance of permanent identification cards by the National Assembly’s Information Department reveals a rigid and inflexible approach to security protocols. The refusal to acknowledge temporary identification papers and clearance further exacerbated the situation, demonstrating a lack of understanding and respect for the established procedures governing media access to the National Assembly. This rigid adherence to a flawed interpretation of access rules not only impeded the journalists’ work but also created an unnecessary confrontation that escalated into physical violence and verbal abuse.
The escalating tension and the subsequent physical assault on journalists, including Mudashiru Atanda of The Sun newspaper, and the manhandling of Nicolas Kalu of The Nation newspaper and Gloria Essien of the Voice of Nigeria, represent a blatant violation of press freedom and a dangerous precedent for the treatment of journalists in Nigeria. The seizure of Tolu Akinyemi’s smartphone, a journalist with SuperScreen Television, by a security operative, accompanied by threats, further highlights the intimidating and aggressive behavior exhibited by the security personnel. These actions constitute a direct assault on the principles of a free press and raise concerns about the safety and security of journalists covering legislative proceedings.
The denial by the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly of issuing any directive barring journalists from entering the complex adds another layer of complexity to this incident. This denial suggests a potential disconnect between the security personnel’s actions and the official position of the National Assembly’s administration. This discrepancy underscores the need for a thorough investigation to determine the source of the “orders from above” cited by the security agents and to establish accountability for the unwarranted restrictions imposed on the journalists.
This incident raises broader questions about the state of press freedom in Nigeria and the potential for security concerns to be used as a pretext for restricting journalistic access to important public institutions. The heavy-handed approach taken by the security agents, coupled with the physical assaults and threats, sends a chilling message to journalists and creates an environment of fear and self-censorship. Such actions undermine the vital role of the press in holding public officials accountable and informing the public about the workings of government.
The Nigerian authorities must take swift action to address the issues highlighted by this incident. A thorough investigation into the actions of the security personnel is crucial, and those responsible for the assaults and threats against journalists should be held accountable. Furthermore, the National Assembly must review its security protocols to ensure that they are consistent with the principles of press freedom and that journalists are able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate in a safe and secure environment.
