By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Nigerian government stands in “flagrant violation” of its own constitution by systematically obstructing the media and failing to protect journalists from a rising tide of attacks, a leading press freedom advocate has declared.
In a scathing keynote address delivered to the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria’s Annual Congress, Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), laid out a stark legal and moral case against state authorities.
He presented data showing government officials and agencies were responsible for nearly three-quarters of all documented attacks on journalists in Nigeria this year.
Speaking before an audience that included Vice President Kashim Shettima and Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Ojo argued that the 1999 Constitution not only guarantees press freedom but actively mandates the media to act as the nation’s primary watchdog. Citing Section 22, he stated the press has a constitutional duty to “uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
“The section is a constitutional directive,” Ojo asserted. “It establishes the oversight and watchdog function of the media in Nigeria and positions the media as an instrument to promote transparency, provide information, serve as a check on governmental power, and protect our democracy.”
He delivered a potent rebuttal to officials who claim national security concerns justify harassing journalists.
Ojo pointed to Section 14(2)(b), which makes “the security and welfare of the people” the government’s primary purpose—a principle the media is constitutionally bound to scrutinise.
“The media is not just free to do this, it is obligated by the Constitution to do it,” he stated.
Ojo highlighted a critical tension in the law: while the chapter containing these media duties is “non-justiciable” (meaning it cannot be directly enforced in court), Section 13 obliges all government organs to “conform to, observe and apply” its provisions. Therefore, he argued, any official obstructing the media is breaking the law.
“The fact that you did not personally prevent a journalist from carrying out his or her professional duties but used the Police or the DSS… does not exonerate you,” Ojo said, referencing the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
Citing the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Declaration of Principles, Ojo outlined the state’s unambiguous duty to prevent and investigate attacks, and ensure the safety of journalists—a duty he said Nigeria is “clearly” failing.
“The latest report we released… revealed that government officials were responsible for nearly 74 percent of all attacks on journalists documented in Nigeria between January 1 and October 31, 2025,” he revealed.
He condemned a “heartbreaking” culture of impunity, where perpetrators are “hardly ever held accountable,” sending a signal that attacks are tolerated or even sanctioned.
“Is this a record we are proud of?” Ojo asked the assembled dignitaries and media professionals.
He concluded with a direct appeal: “I believe it is now time for the government to respond decisively to this reality and say ‘No more’!”
The MRA director expressed the media community’s readiness to collaborate with the government to establish mechanisms to safeguard press freedom, framing the issue as essential for the survival of Nigerian democracy itself.
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