‘Prevent jailing of journalists’ — CPJ asks Tinubu to improve press freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate actions to improve press freedom in Nigeria.

Jodie Ginsberg, CPJ president, in a statement on Tuesday, urged Tinubu to ensure that justice is delivered for journalists who suffer attacks.

She added that reforms, legislation and regulations should be put in place to prevent the jailing and surveillance of journalists.

“We at the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent nongovernmental organization that defends press freedom globally, write to request that your administration take swift and deliberate actions to improve conditions for the press in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“As you mark three months in office, there is no better time to revitalize press freedom throughout the country.

“We request that you ensure justice is delivered for attacks on the press and that you reform legislation and regulations to prevent the jailing and surveillance of journalists.

“We also urge you to ensure undisrupted access to the internet, online platforms, and news websites.

“CPJ has documented consistent accounts of threats, harassment, and physical attacks by security officers, politicians, and their supporters against journalists on the job, including as they covered protests and elections.

“During this year’s presidential and state election period alone, CPJ documented intimidation attempts, physical attacks, or detentions of over 40 journalists.

“Since 1992, CPJ has documented the killing of at least 22 journalists in Nigeria, as well as two others who are missing and presumed dead.

“At least 12 of these journalists are confirmed to have been killed in connection with their work.

“We hope that your administration will take urgent steps to improve the press freedom environment in Nigeria and we stand prepared to provide assistance or further information that can advance the rights of journalists to work freely and safely.”