The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the increasing wave of violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests targeting journalists nationwide, calling such actions a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
During a media parley on Monday to mark the 2925 International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, stated the rights body’s strong opposition to attempts aimed at shrinking the civic space.
He emphasized that the defense of journalists is inseparable from the nation’s political health. “Attacks on journalists are attacks on our democracy and on the public right to know. The NHRC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of media professionals and to ensure accountability for perpetrators of such violations,” Ojukwu declared.
Looking ahead, he detailed the Commission’s strategic response: “Going forward, the Commission will intensify its efforts to monitor and document violations against journalists, while deepening collaboration with media organizations, the NUJ, civil society organizations, and international partners.”
Ojukwu framed the gathering not as a mere commemoration but as a unified offensive against injustice. “Together, we aim to enhance safety awareness and establish rapid response mechanisms for the protection of journalists. Today’s parley is not just celebration, it is a call to action. We recognize the media as a powerful ally in the fight for human rights. Your voices shape public opinion, expose injustice, and amplify the stories that matter,” he added.
In his remarks, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, stressed that the protection of journalists and the promotion of press freedom are critical to advancing democracy and the rule of law. His speech, read by the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, Ms. Grace Ike, described press freedom as a fundamental, non-negotiable right.
“It is not a privilege; it is a right. Hence, the need to ensure that journalists are well protected,” he stressed.
The NUJ President further asserted the union’s tough stance on harassment: “The NUJ maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, intimidation, or attacks on media practitioners, whether online or offline. Because for us, we know that such threats and acts undermine not only individual freedom but also the very foundation of our democratic society.”
However, the NUJ strongly criticized the persistent cycle of unpunished offenses against media workers. “Yet, the persistent cases of impunity for these violations continue to compromise the safety of journalists and weaken our institutions. Journalists are frontline workers in the quest for truth, justice, and national development. The NHRC is endowed with constitutional authority and is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. However, beyond issuing statements of condemnation, there is a pressing need for decisive action. It is time to act. It is no longer business as usual,” the statement read, urging the NHRC to move beyond policy and rhetoric.
The union called for the Commission to utilize its full statutory powers. “We must go beyond the usual policy programs and gatherings; we must act and make sure we do everything possible to protect journalists. The Commission must exercise its investigative powers with vigour, ensuring that all abuses against journalists are thoroughly examined and perpetrators are brought to book and to justice.”
The NUJ also pointed out that law enforcement agencies are frequently the perpetrators and demanded proactive engagement from the NHRC with the justice system. “It is imperative that the Commission engages proactively with law enforcement agencies — because most times, they are the culprits — as well as with the judiciary, to create an environment where attacks on journalists are met with accountability. This will send a clear message that impunity will no longer be tolerated among media professionals, whatever the case may be.”
Concluding the union’s appeal, the statement added: “We want to use this medium to call on the Commission to translate its mandates into tangible outcomes that will protect the rights and safety of journalists, thereby strengthening the pillars of our democracy.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the official logo for the NHRC’s upcoming 30th anniversary celebration.
- Media Report