NASS REPUBLIC: Fighting Buhari for press freedom.
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, led by Honourable Ndudi Elumelu, last week, condemned the alleged harassment of Channels Television and its presenters, Chamberlain Usoh, Kayode Okikiolu and two others.
The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), had issued a notice of infraction against the broadcast station for what it deemed unauthorized content.
Amidst this notice, news that the presenters had been arrested by Nigeria’s secret police made the rounds.
The move against the media has since generated a lot of debate, and this has been complimented by two other developments in the National Assembly.
Defending press freedom
Following the alleged harassment of Channels Television, and its staff, on August 27, House Minority leader, Elumelu, in a statement said, among others: “The assault on press freedom has reached a crescendo under the administration. Little wonder that Nigeria has emerged as the most dangerous place in West Africa for journalists…”
The disposition of the Elumelu-led Minority caucus did not come as a surprise given its institutionalized opposition role and need for pro-democracy groups to speak up against injustice and infringements on fundamental human rights.
Indeed, the treatment meted out to Channels Television may easily pass as a subtle intimidation and creates a dent on the human rights records of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
While it can be argued that no nation in the world enjoys unfettered freedom, Buhari government’s penchant for being intolerant to the media and social critics is becoming rife.
The checks on the presidency and its agencies are, no doubt, welcome.
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