The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State, an umbrella coalition of progressive groups, has renewed its call on governments, policymakers, security institutions, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy to uphold and safeguard press freedom, freedom of speech, and fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Their position was contained in a statement on Saturday, jointly endorsed by 22 of its members and made available to Stallion Times.
The statement emphasized that the media remains an indispensable pillar in promoting transparency, accountability, and justice, describing journalists as “the watchdogs of society, voices of the voiceless, and defenders of truth.”
It warned that an attempt to undermine press independence threatens democratic credibility and weakens public trust in governance.
Other parts of the statement read;
At this stage of our national development, it is imperative to reaffirm the irreplaceable role of the Media as an indispensable organ in the promotion of transparency, accountability, and justice in our society.
Journalists, the world over are the watchdogs of society, voices of the voiceless and defenders of truth. As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, they are Constitutionally empowered to hold leaders accountable and to amplify the concerns of the citizenry.
Any attempt therefore to constrict their freedom or undermine their independence, not only brings to question the openness and sincerity in governance, but weakens any claims to the credibility and sincerity of our democracy.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which serves as the ground norm, guarantees these freedoms.
Section 39 (1) establishes the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference.
Section 39 (2) further recognizes the right to establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information.
More importantly, Section 22 of the same Constitution mandates the press, radio, television, and other mass media agencies to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.
These provisions make it clear that the protection of press freedom is not optional, but rather a constitutional obligation.
Moreover, press freedom and freedom of expression are globally recognised as Universal Human Rights. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right of every person to seek, receive, and impart information through any media.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) reinforces this right, while Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees the right to receive information and express opinions within the law.
As a signatory to these international frameworks, Nigeria is bound legally and morally to uphold these principles in practice.
Protecting journalists and safeguarding their rights is not merely about defending a profession; it is about preserving the sanctity of any democracy.
When journalists are free to work devoid of fear, intimidation, or harassment, the citizenry is better informed, leaders are better held accountable, and governance becomes more transparent and responsive, which in turn strengthens National unity, hastens development, and deepens public trust in democratic institutions.
We therefore urge the government, relevant state institutions, and all stakeholders to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press and freedom of expression, and desist from harassment and intimidation.
Security agencies must refrain from arbitrary arrests or harassment of journalists, while lawmakers and the judiciary must ensure Nigeria’s legal frameworks continue to uphold these rights.
Civil society groups, professional associations, and citizens have a moral duty to stand in solidarity with the media whenever their guaranteed freedom is threatened.
It is essential to note that freedom of expression and press freedom are not privileges; they are the lifeblood of any democracy and the foundation of good governance.
It is believed that by safeguarding these freedoms, Nigeria will not only fulfil its constitutional and international obligations but also nurture a society where accountability, transparency, and social justice can flourish for the benefit of all.
Endorsed by:
- Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
- Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
- Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD)
- Abdulkadir Musa Hausawa – Youth Enlightenment Forum
- Adeniyi Aremu – Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN)
- Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
- Umar Ibrahim Umar – War Against Injustice (WAI)
- Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State
- Comrade Idris Ibrahim Unguwar Gini – Kano Youth Promotion Council
- Comrade Moh’d Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
- Fatima Muhammad – Gender Inclusive and Development Support Initiative, Kano
- Aminu Sani Muhammad, Esq. – Rule of Law and Justice Advancement Network (ROLJAN)
- Comrade M. K. Adam – Societal Based Initiative for Rights Peace and Development (SOBIRPED)
- Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
- Abdullahi Yahaya, Esq. – Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Kano State
- Hafiz A. Wali, Esq. – Rise Up Youth Initiative (RUYI)
- Comrade Auwal Salisu – Centre for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE-Africa)
- Umar Isa Sulaiman, Esq. – Frontier for Gender Advocacy, Accountability & Empowerment Initiative
- Maryam Garba Usman – Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI)
- Fatima Chabir Aliyu, Esq. – Community Based Equal Justice Initiative
- Kano Youth Integrity Forum – Comrade Salisu Ibrahim Sa’eed
- Centre for Education Health and Entrepreneurship Development (CEHED) Nigeria – Comrade Baraya Garba Hassan
