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Akinlabi Segun O., Editor-in-Chief of Egalitarian Voice Media, has emphasized the urgent need for legal protection for journalists in Nigeria.
According to Egalitarian Segun Akinlabi, the lack of adequate safeguards for journalists has created a culture of impunity, where media professionals are frequently harassed, intimidated, and even killed for simply doing their job.
“Injustice kills a nation,” Akinlabi warned. “When journalists are not protected, the very fabric of our democracy is threatened.
Journalists play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable, and without legal protection, they cannot perform this critical function.”
Akinlabi’s call to action comes amid a surge in attacks on journalists in Nigeria. In recent years, several journalists have been arrested, detained, and even killed for their work.
This climate of fear and intimidation has led to self-censorship, with many journalists reluctant to investigate or report on sensitive topics.
One notable example is Agba Jalingo, a Nigerian journalist and publisher of CrossRiverWatch, who was illegally detained and tormented for his investigative reporting.
In August 2019, Jalingo was arrested by the Nigerian police and charged with terrorism, treason, and attempted overthrow of the Cross River State government.
His arrest was linked to his investigative reporting on the alleged diversion of N500 million by the Cross River State Governor, Benedict Ayade.
Jalingo was detained for over 170 days without trial, during which he was subjected to physical and psychological torture.
He was denied access to medical care, and his family was harassed by security agents. Jalingo’s case drew widespread condemnation from local and international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
After months of advocacy and pressure, Jalingo was finally released on bail in February 2020.
Jalingo’s experience highlights the risks faced by journalists in Nigeria who dare to investigate and report on corruption and human rights abuses.
His case demonstrates the need for stronger protections for journalists and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Daniel Ojukwu an FIJ reporter, Salihu Ayatullahi, editor-in-chief, and Adisa-Jaji Azeez, managing editor of Informant247 are also prefer examples of injustice to journalists in Nigeria.
To address this crisis, Akinlabi is advocating for the passage of robust legislation that protects journalists from harassment, intimidation, and violence.
He is also calling on the government to establish an independent commission to investigate attacks on journalists and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The time for action is now,” Akinlabi said. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. The future of our democracy depends on the ability of journalists to report freely and safely.”
Egalitarian Segun Akinlabi writes via segunoakinlabi@gmail.com
