As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong call for zero tolerance against attacks on journalists, warning that press repression poses a direct threat to democracy.
In a statement commemorating the 2026 observance, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said a free and independent media remains the “lifeblood” of any democratic society, stressing that press freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.
In a related development, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to urgently safeguard press freedom, protect journalists and address rising insecurity and human rights abuses across parts of northern Nigeria.
They made the call in a joint statement issued on Saturday to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, following a conference and interactive session held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Meanwhile, on the same theme, Governor Bassey Out of Cross River State paid glowing tribute to journalists in the state, and across Nigeria, praising their courage, professionalism, and dedication to truth as the nation marked World Press Freedom Day.
In a message by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, to commemorate the day, Governor Otu described journalists as indispensable custodians of democratic values whose work continues to shape society and strengthen the institutions of freedom.
Felicitating members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the governor declared: “I warmly salute journalists whose courageous pens illuminate truth, defend liberty, and deepen the foundations of democracy, guiding society with vigilance, integrity, and unyielding purpose.”
Expanding on NHRC’s demand for zero tolerance attacks on journalists, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu underscored the intrinsic link between a vibrant press and democratic governance, noting that societies where journalists operate freely tend to experience greater accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.
Conversely, he warned that any attempt to silence the media undermines public trust and weakens democratic institutions.
“Every threat to a journalist constitutes a direct attack on democracy and the public’s right to know,” he stated, expressing concern over persistent cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, assaults, and online harassment targeting media practitioners across Nigeria.
The NHRC boss also condemned the killing of journalists in the line of duty, describing such incidents as grave violations that foster fear and self-censorship within the media space.
According to him, these trends erode the quality of public discourse and hinder the media’s watchdog role.
In response, the Commission has begun systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide. Ojukwu said the findings will be made public to support evidence-based advocacy and strengthen accountability mechanisms for the protection of journalists.
He urged government authorities, security agencies, and non-state actors to refrain from actions that hinder lawful media operations, while calling on law enforcement bodies to conduct prompt and transparent investigations into all reported cases of abuse.
“Silence in the face of attacks on journalists emboldens further violations and erodes public trust,” he warned.
Ojukwu also challenged journalists to uphold professional ethics and remain committed to truth and public interest reporting, even in the face of mounting pressures.
He further called on Nigerians to actively defend press freedom, describing it as a shared responsibility and a cornerstone for safeguarding all other rights in a democratic society.
The annual observance of World Press Freedom Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of a free press and the need to protect media practitioners who risk their lives to inform the public.
Michael Olugbode, Chuks Okocha and Bassey Inyang
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