CCT chairman wants return of Decree 2 — to detain journalists without trial

The notorious Decree No. 2 of 1984 – under which persons were detained without trial for “security reasons” during the military era – should be reintroduced for journalists, Danladi Umar, chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has said.

The military government of Muhammadu Buhari made the Nigerian State Security (Detention of Persons) Decree No 4 in 1984.

It was abrogated in May 1999 by Abdulsalami Abubakar, shortly before handing over to an elected government.

Speaking on Tuesday afternoon on what he called false publications in the media regarding him and the CCT,‎ Umar said that “journalists should be punished” for publishing falsehood.

“It is a criminal offence,” he said, asking for the “reintroduction of Decree No 2”.

He singled out a story in one of the national newspapers where it was said that the tribunal had adjourned the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki indefinitely.

He fumed: “Just because they want to sell their papers and make money‎ they publish falsehood.”

Although Umar spoke about Decree 2, it was under Decree 4 (Protection Against False Accusation) that two journalists were jailed in 1984.

Kanu Agabi, lead counsel of Saraki, intervened, calling for calm.

He advised the press to ensure that they do reports that would promote peace in the country.

The tribunal, thereafter, adjourned to June 15 for continuation of trial.