Journalists Demand Justice: Petition seeks end to harassment, intimidation of journalists

The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners’ Forum expresses its concern and disappointment regarding the recent harassment, intimidation, and subversion of journalists’ constitutional roles by the Federal High Court in Bichi, Kano State.

We condemn the judgment secured by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mutawalle, against two esteemed broadcast journalists, Shuaibu Mungadi of Vision Media Services and Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan of Freedom Radio Television.

This action is in direct violation of Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), which empowers journalists to hold public officials accountable, as well as Section 39, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech.

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We are deeply troubled by the Minister’s actions, which appear to serve as a means to silence the press and obstruct journalists from fulfilling their professional obligations. It is particularly concerning that the Minister has deliberately targeted these two respected journalists for persecution over issues that have been subject to public commentary and analysis for years.

This underhanded maneuver is nothing short of a blatant attempt to undermine press freedom and thwart any efforts to hold him accountable for allegations of corruption during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara.

Call to Action

We urge the NJC and the Attorney General of the Federation to:

– Investigate the manner and basis of the court order restraining the journalists
– Review the case against the journalists and salvage the judiciary from the allegation of impropriety.
– Ensure that judges issue fair and impartial judgments, respecting the sanctity of our laws

We also call on the Attorney General of the Federation to review the case urgently and the Minister of Information and National Orientation to intervene and safeguard the press from intimidation and harassment.

As broadcast media practitioners and media owners, we will continue to practice our profession within the laws of the land and global best practices. We demand immediate action to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Sincerely,

Abdullahi Yelwa,
(Ajiya Yauri)
Chairman
Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners’ Forum
15th November, 2024

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