Group calls on security authorities to respect press freedom

Tied together According to the Human Rights Body for Development (CODE), freedom of the press is an important pillar of democracy that should be respected at all times by political and security actors.

CODE Executive Director Hamzat Lawal said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that a lack of respect for the media would undermine public confidence in democracy.

“These acts of repression threaten not only press freedom but also the foundations of our democratic society,” he said.

Lawal, also founder of Follow The Money, a transparency advocacy group, recalled the recent media report on the arrest of Juwon Soyinka, the West Africa regional editor of The Conversation and pioneering editor of BBC Pidgin.

He said that while security authorities would continue to do their best to make society a safe place, journalists should also be able to work without fear of arrest.

“It is imperative that journalists can work without fear or favor so that they can fulfill their important role in holding those in power to account.

“International conventions and resolutions such as the United Nations Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and Democracy emphasize that a free, uncensored and independent press is a cornerstone of democratic societies.

“Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression,” he said.

He said Soyinka's arrest could send the wrong message that the current government was trying to suppress press freedom.

“Journalists must work safely, freely and objectively while ensuring that the truth is always preserved and brought to light,” said the CODE executive director.