Inalegwu Shaibu
8 June 2006
Abuja — The National Human Rights Commission yesterday in Abuja expresses disappointment over the incessant assaults on the Press, the violation of the fundamental human rights of journalists and frequent disrespect for the rule of law by government authorities and law enforcemenmt agencies.
In a chat with pressmen, the executive secretary of the Commission, Bukhari Bello listed four media houses and journalists that recently suffered harassment in the hands of government and its law enforcement agencies.
They are Freedom Radio, Kano, the Lagos based Insider magazine and the African Independent Television (AIT) Abuja, whose offices had all been invaded and the staff harrassed.
Chief victim of the recent harassment is the editor of the New Nigeria Newspaper, Mallam Mahmoud Jega, who lost his job over a story said to be critical of government.
Reacting to the incessant press harassment which he described as unconstitutional and an abuse of the due process, Bello said "the commission views the assault on the Press as a fundamental breach and assault on democratic norms".
He added that it is uncalled for and "serves to remind us of the dark days of impunity during the military era".
The secretary also added that all persons and authorities, including law enforcement agencies should bear in mind that the nation is now in a democracy where freedom of expression, to hold opinions, to receive and impart ideas and information without interference is a fundamental right gauranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, (ACHPR) and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which must be observed and respected by all.
To buttress his point on the need for respect for the Press by the goverment and law enforcement agencies, Bello quoted section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides that "every person shall be entitled to freedom to hold opinions and impart ideas and information without interference" and section 22 which stated that "The Press, Radio, Television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives of state principles and uphold the responsibility and accountability of Government to the people."
The Secretary who also doubles as the Chairperson Coordinating Commitee of African National Human Rights Institution said the solution to the violation of Press freedom will come from the Freedom of Information Bill (FOIB).
He therefore call on the Senate to as a matter of urgency, pass the FOIB which has already been passed by the lower house.
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