- Media Rights Agenda (MRA) issued a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice over attacks on journalists throughout Nigeria
- The organisation called on the government to prosecute and penalise those behind any attacks on journalists
- Head of MRA’s Legal Department, Ms Obioma Okonkwo urged the Attorney-General to act promptly and show his dedication to justice
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has urged the Federal Government to adhere to the Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which mandated taking decisive actions to protect journalists and media professionals from attacks.
The organisation issued a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stressing their profound concern over the relentless attacks and harassment of journalists throughout Nigeria, particularly during the just concluded #Endbadgovernance nationwide protests that took place between Thursday, August 1 and Saturday, August 10.
MRA urged FG to investigate and prosecute attacks on journalists
The organisation also called on the government to conduct thorough investigations, prosecute those responsible, and impose penalties on those behind any attacks on journalists.
Ms. Obioma Okonkwo, the Head of MRA’s Legal Department, said, “Non-compliance with such orders not only undermines the judicial process but also threatens the very fabric of our democratic society.”
Ms Okonkwo called on the Attorney-General to act swiftly to guarantee full adherence to the court’s orders, aiming to stop further attacks on journalists and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Okonkwo urges Attorney-General to show dedication to justice
“The world is watching, and Nigeria must uphold its democratic obligations and the protection of fundamental human rights, including freedom of the press,” she stated.
She pointed out that the persistent failure to comply with the court’s orders was tantamount to contempt of court, potentially weakening public confidence in the justice system and damaging the government’s image at home and abroad.
She urged the Attorney-General to act promptly to uphold the rule of law and show his dedication to justice by safeguarding the safety and security of journalists throughout Nigeria.
DSS denies raiding NLC headquarters in Abuja
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) claimed the Department of State Services (DSS) raided its headquarters in Abuja.
The alleged invasion prompted reactions from some statesmen, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party's presidential candidate Peter Obi; human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN; Amnesty International; and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).