Create better operating environment for journalism, IPI tells Tinubu

The Nigerian committee of the Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI) says the administration of President-elect Bola Tinubu should commit to creating a better operating environment for journalists and media organisations.

TheCable had reported that the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said at least 28 journalists and media workers were attacked during the state elections held on March 18.

Not less than 14 journalists and media workers were either attacked, detained, or harassed during the presidential and national assembly elections of February 25. 

Speaking on Wednesday in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, IPP said the new administration should endeavour to “embrace a new attitude by deliberately improving the operational environment of journalists and the media” in the country.

Musikilu Mojeed, the president of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, chairperson of the institute’s advocacy committee, said there were several laws limiting the roles of journalists that should be amended.

“There are still a number of oppressive and media-unfriendly laws, such as those on criminal defamation and cybercrime, that need to be amended,” the media advocacy group said.

“The government should also begin widespread sensitisation of its security operatives, who must understand that journalists and the media are key elements of democracy. 

“The incoming administration, to be led by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, must also take deliberate steps to help the sustainability of media outlets while respecting press freedom and freedom of speech. 

“IPI Nigeria demands that the incoming government commits to the total implementation of the FOI act. This is because the free flow of information is essential to the survival and growth of democracy.

“Misinformation and disinformation thrive more robustly when authorities withhold information that ordinarily should be made available to the public.”