The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take decisive action to ensure journalists’ safety and enforce legal protections, following what it describes as a persistent failure to protect media practitioners from violence and harassment.
The non-governmental organisation with a focus on freedom of expression, access to information and media development made the appeal while commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
In a statement issued by Obioma Okonkwo, MRA’s Head of Legal, the organization expressed concern over the government’s continued disregard for a court ruling since February 16, 2024.
https://twitter.com/MRA_Nigeria/status/1852647157548925009
According to MRA, the judgment, Federal High Court Abuja delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, directed the government to adopt measures to prevent attacks on journalists and to investigate, prosecute, and punish those responsible for assaults on media workers.
Okonkwo criticized the government’s failure to comply with the judgment, calling it an “affront to justice and the rule of law.”
“The culture of impunity being nurtured by the Federal Government through its failure to comply with and enforce the court’s judgment is deeply concerning,” Okonkwo said.
She stressed that the lack of accountability emboldens those who wish to silence the media and erodes public confidence in the rule of law and democratic governance.
Okonkwo urged the government to adopt and enforce laws that protect journalists from threats and harassment, stressing that those responsible for crimes against journalists must be swiftly prosecuted.
She also called on media organizations to create safer working conditions for their employees, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect journalists at all levels.
“As we commemorate this day, we honour the courage and resilience of journalists who risk their lives and liberty to bring us stories that matter.
“We must renew our collective commitment to ending violence and ensuring that every journalist in Nigeria can work freely and safely. Together, let us build a society where truth-telling is celebrated, and those who seek to harm the messengers of truth are held accountable.”
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
