Abdulraheem Aodu
18 November 2008
Kaduna — A civil rights activist has condemned the clampdown on Leadership Newspapers and the arrest of its team of editors by security agents of the Federal Government, saying it is an infringement on the right for free press. Malam Shehu Sani, who is the Chairman, Socialist Front, noted that democracy in Nigeria cannot strive without a free press, adding that government's harassment of the media and clampdown on media houses negates the position of the administration and its stance on rule of law. Sani who said this in Kaduna yesterday added, "One of the strongest elements of a free and democratic society is a free press. A government that lays claim to democratic norms must be able to observe, protect and encourage a free press because it is a free press that energizes, mobilises and gives moral authority to democracy. The attack on the Leadership Newspapers by security agents is therefore condemnable and unacceptable.
"As a Nigerian and an activist I feel ashamed and disappointed by the action of the Government because freedom of expression is indispensible in a democracy. Any Government that claims its authority on legality and the norms of democracy must be able to observe these virtues and respect them. President Umaru Musa Yar'adua is making a mockery of the rule of law. He is slowly, gradually and progressively destroying the image of his administration and the emblem of his avowed rule of law that he carries."
The Leader of Northern Coalition of Civil Society added that, "The President must learn to accept public criticisms. As a leader, you are bound to be criticised, condemned and even lied against, while in all you must have a spirit of tolerance. In as much as the President says it is a waste of time to start probing the activities of past Governments, I also believe it is a waste of time to start taking newspapers and magazines to court, and allowing security agents to bounce on them for their publications."
Sani further stressed that under the present democratic order there should be a better way of bringing any erring media establishment to order adding that the president could have written a formal petition to the Nigeria Press Council who will sanction the media house if it is found wanting on the ethics of the profession.
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