Tajudeen Abbas: Nigeria needs efficient judicial system for press freedom to thrive

 Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the house of representatives, says Nigeria needs an enabling legal environment and an efficient judicial system for press freedom to thrive. 

Abbas spoke in Abuja on Saturday at an event commemorating the World Press Freedom Day.

The speaker praised the media as the fourth arm of government, noting that “press freedom and good governance are intricately linked”.

He admitted that many journalists and media organisations in the country have encountered various forms of challenges while undertaking their professional duties.

Abbass added that the national assembly is committed to reviewing “moribund media laws” to allow journalism to flourish without governmental restraints.

“The 10th House recognises the integral place of a free and responsible press in the activities of government, resulting in our resolve to strengthen media freedom and operations through our legislative agenda that is aimed at reviewing laws and practices that restrict the press in the discharge of their constitutional duties in an unfettered and independent manner,” the speaker said.

“I strongly believe that for a virile, vibrant and free press to thrive in any nation, including our country, Nigeria, there is a need for an enabling legal environment and an efficient judicial system.

“This realisation underpins our commitment to the review of moribund media laws in order to bring them in tandem with modern realities and democratic ethos and principles.

“We are not unaware that over the years, a number of journalists and media organisations have encountered various forms of challenges while undertaking their professional duties.

“I am confident that as our democratic space continues to be strengthened and the legal frameworks reformed, the occupational hazards will inherently scale down.

“Let me emphasise our dedication to taking bold and robust legislative steps to provide the needed legal space for all the organs of the media to operate more freely and efficiently.”