Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of the Speaker of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to drop the “unconstitutional, illegal and discriminatory bill” pushing to criminalise and stop journalists with no ‘media degree’ from doing their job as journalists.
The advocacy organization, on Thursday, argued that the bill runs contrary to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], human rights obligations and the notion of a free marketplace of ideas, necessary to serve the best interests of the public.
“It’s discriminatory for National Assembly members to raise the qualification to practise as journalists in Nigeria while the educational qualification to be a member of the legislative body and to become a president remains a School Certificate or its equivalent,” SERAP said.
The group further stated that the House of Representatives and the Senate could not arbitrarily and in good conscience push for a “media degree” without first amending sections 65(2) and 131 of the Nigerian Constitution, which prescribe only a School Certificate to become a member and a president, respectively.
“By this logic, members of the National Assembly should possess at least a degree in democratic studies or law-making and would-be president should have a degree in democratic studies or governance.
“The National Assembly should show a greater level of transparency and accountability in their activities by immediately withdrawing the unconstitutional bill, and allowing journalists to freely do their work.
“Rather than imposing a ‘media degree’ on journalists, the National Assembly should take responsibility and focus on making laws to guarantee socio-economic rights as fundamental rights, improve the security situation in the country and to improve access to basic public services.
“The bill will make it compulsory for media practitioners to have degrees. The proposal is contained in the Nigerian Press Council Amendment Bill 2019 sponsored by Mr Francis Agbo, which has been slated for second reading.
“The bill will also increase the punishment and fine for ‘untrained and fake journalists’,” SERAP added.
SERAP said it would pursue appropriate legal action if the bill is not immediately withdrawn.