The Senate’s Summons of Ahmad Isah: An affront to democracy and press freedom, by Dr Tukur Madu Yemi
The recent decision of the Nigerian Senate to summon Ahmad Isah, the CEO of Brekete Family Radio, over his coverage of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s experience in the chamber, raises profound concerns regarding the principles of democracy, press freedom, and due process. This move not only calls into question the role of the legislature in a democratic society but also establishes a troubling precedent for the treatment of journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria.
Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, enshrined in Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference. Additionally, international legal frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscore the imperative of an independent press in ensuring governmental accountability. By summoning a media figure over the content of his broadcast, the Senate appears to be contravening these constitutional and international protections, thereby undermining the fundamental tenets of democratic governance.
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While legislators possess the right to address concerns about media reports, the direct summons of a private citizen by the Senate—an institution constitutionally vested with legislative, not judicial, functions—is highly questionable. Nigeria has regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), which are legally empowered to adjudicate matters relating to journalistic ethics and professional conduct. If the Senate deems Isah’s broadcast inappropriate, the appropriate course of action would be to engage these regulatory bodies rather than circumvent established legal frameworks and institutional mandates.
By adopting this approach, the Senate risks exceeding its constitutional authority and establishing a worrisome precedent that enables lawmakers to summon private citizens at will for expressing critical opinions. Such actions convey an unmistakable message that journalists and ordinary citizens are subject to institutional coercion for exercising their right to free speech. This is particularly alarming because it stems from a senator raising legitimate concerns about her treatment within the legislative chamber. If an elected representative can be silenced within the very institution designed to uphold democratic discourse, what recourse remains for the average citizen?
Furthermore, this incident epitomizes a broader pattern of legislative and executive encroachments on media independence in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been heightened attempts to introduce restrictive media regulations, impose arbitrary fines on media organizations, and subject journalists to harassment through both legal and extrajudicial means. Such regressive measures weaken democratic institutions, curtail civic engagement, and suppress investigative journalism, which is an indispensable tool for ensuring government transparency and accountability.
Rather than engaging in actions that may be construed as authoritarian, suppressive, or politically motivated, the Senate should reaffirm its commitment to the principles of democracy, institutional autonomy, and media independence. If there are genuine concerns about professional misconduct, the appropriate response should be to lodge a formal complaint with the relevant regulatory agencies, not to summon a media personality in a manner suggestive of intimidation and political overreach.
At its core, democracy thrives on the principles of accountability, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and press independence. When institutions deviate from due process and resort to coercive measures, they erode public trust and cultivate an atmosphere of fear and censorship. A free and independent press functions as the watchdog of democracy, ensuring that those in power remain accountable to the people they serve.
The Nigerian Senate must reconsider its stance and refrain from actions that undermine democratic principles. The strength of a democracy is not measured by the extent to which those in authority can suppress criticism but by their capacity to engage in open dialogue, accommodate dissent, and uphold the rule of law. Nigerians must remain vigilant in defending their rights and demanding accountability from public officials.
Ultimately, if Nigeria is to preserve its democratic credibility, its leaders must recognise that power should not be wielded as a tool of suppression but as an instrument for fostering a just, equitable, and free society. Press freedom must not be compromised, and public institutions must operate strictly within their legal frameworks to address grievances without infringing upon the fundamental rights of citizens. Only through adherence to these democratic principles can Nigeria uphold its constitutional and moral obligations to its people.
Dr Tukur Madu Yemi
Federal University of Kashere Gombe
alhajitukur68@gmail.com
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