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X-raying the consequences of Tinubu’s Crackdown on press freedom

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The recent decidion by President Bola Tinubu to restrict several broadcast journalists and prominent media houses from covering activities at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa has raised significant concerns about press freedom, the democratic process, and the very essence of an informed society.

The Nigerian Constitution explicitly upholds the press’s role as a guardian of democracy, empowering it to hold the government accountable to the people.

Section 22 of the Constitution states that “the press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

“However, the recent actions by President Tinubu, which exclude broadcast journalists, camera men and photojournalists from media outlets such as GalaxyTv, BenTV, MITV, ONTV, ITV Abuja, Liberty, Vanguard, and others from covering the Presidential Villa, cast a dark shadow over this constitutional commitment.

The fact that more of the affected journalists are video/broadcast journalists underscores the severity of the situation, as the medium’s impact is not limited to print but extends to the hearts and minds of millions through still pictures, moving images and sounds.

The gravity of President Tinubu’s media crackdown is underscored by the manner in which the access tags of the affected journalists were collected on Friday by security officers, without providing any explanation for their exclusion.

This departure from best practices not only raises questions about transparency but also showcases a lack of respect for the media’s vital role in fostering an informed citizenry.

The failure of media outlets like Channels, TVC, AIT, Arise TV, STV, Vanguard, Punch, and others, which were not affected by this crackdown, to report on this significant development is equally disconcerting.

Their silence can be interpreted as an attempt to protect their interests or remain in favor with the authorities.

This division within the journalism profession, where some media houses shy away from highlighting the infringement on press freedom, further weakens the collective strength of the Fourth Estate.

This clampdown on media access has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the freedom of speech that it upholds.

The media serves as a vital check on the government’s power, enabling citizens to be informed and engaged participants in the democratic process.

By limiting access to a select few outlets, President Tinubu risks distorting the flow of information and creating a narrative that lacks the diversity of perspectives required for an informed citizenry.

The authorities have directed the journalists from the affected media houses to source video clips from those that have not been subjected to the crackdown.

However, this approach undermines independent reportage and raises concerns about potential information distortion.

The move raises concerns of censorship and undue control over the media, elements that are antithetical to the principles of a free press.

Censorship often leads to a manipulated version of events, stripping the public of the right to hear different voices and interpretations.

This not only compromises press freedom but also erodes trust in the government and its intentions.

History has shown that restricting media access and silencing dissenting voices can have disastrous consequences for democratic societies.

Examples from around the world serve as cautionary tales. In countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Russia, governments have tightened their grip on media outlets, leading to a decline in press freedom, human rights violations, and the erosion of democratic values.

In the Philippines, former President Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law and curtailed press freedom, leading to a decade-long period of dictatorship and human rights abuses.

The aftermath of media crackdowns often reveals a lack of accountability and transparency, allowing governments to operate with unchecked power.

The outcry against President Tinubu’s media crackdown must be massive and resounding. Civil society, media organizations, and citizens alike must unite to defend the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the fundamental role of the media in preserving democracy.

A free press is not a privilege; it is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy that cannot be sacrificed for political expediency.

The media’s duty to inform, educate, and empower the public transcends political agendas.

The collective voice of the people, guided by the principles of a free press, can send a powerful message to the government – that an informed citizenry is a formidable force that cannot be ignored.

As Nigeria navigates this critical juncture, the preservation of press freedom and democratic values stands as a non-negotiable imperative for a just and equitable society.

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Media

Veteran Broadcaster Reuben Okala is new head of Abuja station of Kaftan TV

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Kaftan TV has engaged the professional services of a veteran broadcaster, Reuben Okala, to lead the Abuja office as head of station.
The move by the station is to reposition the quality of news reportage, current affairs and other interesting programs for satisfaction of it’s viewers

Reuben Okala, who is expected to resume with emmidiate effect, is bringing on board his wealth of experience that spans close to thirty years, as a multitasking professional in journalism trenches at Nigeria’s premier television station, the Nigeria Television Authority-NTA.

Chief Executive Officer of Kaftan tv, Waheed Odusule, unveiled the new station helmsman, on Tuesday, at a general meeting with staff of the fast rising television station.
He admonished them to continue to work hard, while promising to look into their welfare and other emoluments. Odusule who said that their is no room for laziness at Kaftan tv, as hard work will be rewarded just as any staff that engages in professional misconduct will be shown the way out.

In his brief remark, representative of the founder of Kaftan tv, who also doubles as it’s consultant, noted that the founder, Prince Adewale Adebayo, places greater premium on professionalism for the overall success of the station, and that was why the decision to bring Reuben Okala becomes more than imperative.

In his bief remark, the new head of Abuja station, Reuben Okala, expressed satisfaction with the facilities he’s seen at the station when he was conducted round on a facility tour.

He urged them to be creative by carving a nitch for themselves, noting that collectively Kaftan tv can be taken to greater hieghts.
The new head of station admonished them to believe in themselves and their creator if they must achieve individual success, promoting that hard work will be rewarded under his watch as head of station in Anuja.

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Senate to tell its own story as it births in-house magazine

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The Senate has officially unveilled its in-house publication, “10th Senate,” to the public as it expressed the believe that its story can’t be better told by the third party

Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu who unveiled the magazine on the floor of the upper Chamber said the new publication”is an embodiment of the Senate’s commitment to open dialogue and effective communication with Nigerian people within and outside. “Within its pages, you will find a tapestry of stories, insights, and ideas that reflect the rich chronicle of our nation. It will serve as a platform for the Senate to share its legislative achievements, initiatives, and aspirations, while also providing a voice to the diverse voices of our citizenry. ”
“As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the power of knowledge and dialogue. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the bond between the Senate and the people, as we work hand in hand towards a brighter future for our beloved nation. ”
Addressing newsmen shortly after plenary, Senator Adaramodu, who incidentally is the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine said the lawmakers are anxious to drive their own narrative in the public, conscious of the space constraints in the traditional media.
He said:” It will be a quarterly magazine to chronicle activities of the Senate which the traditional media may not give attention.
“Today, at the chamber, the Media Committee birthed a magazine to show the other areas that you our partners haven’t been able to showcase.
“We know that in the newsrooms there are deluge of news items fighting for space. You pick the ones that are immediate. That’s why we come up with this quarterly magazine , Tenth Senate.
Our story can’t be better told by the third party, we want to tell it ourselves
“We want the people of Nigeria to know that we are representing them adequately. We don’t want to restrict ourselves to just the hallowed chamber.”
Asked by journalists, if fund for publication of the magazine would be from public fund appropriated for the National Assembly, Adaramodu clarified that individual lawmakers would finance the publication.
“It is to be financed by Senators, we are contributing to run it to shore up our image, we aren’t going to take money either through Appropriation or other sources.”.

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Kogi Governor’s media adviser condemns attack on Akoni TV

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The Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah has expressed sympathy with the Chief Executive Officer of an online television channel in the state, Akoni TV, Deborah Agbonika, over the robbery attack and vandalisation of the Online Television Studio in Lokoja.
Some yet to be identified hoodlums were reported to have gained access to the property of Akoni TV by 200 unit housing estate junction in Lokoja on Sunday night, vandalized the studio and carted away equipments worth millions of Naira.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja, the Special Adviser to Governor Usman Ododo condemned the act describing it as an affront on journalism in the state.

He urged the management of the online TV channel not to be deterred by the incident as it is only a set back which is incapable of retarding its effort to disseminate factual and timely information to its audience and teeming followers within and outside the state

While calling on security agencies to investigate the attack and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, the Media adviser restated that the administration of Governor Ododo would not condone criminal elements and their nefarious activities especially where it tramples on the symbol of freedom of expression any where in the state.

Ismaila assured that the organization would be given needed support to ameliorate immediate challenges faced as a result of the robbery and damage to its facilities.

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