Amnesty International-Trained Journalists: Champions Of Truth, Justice, And Human Rights

Amnesty International-Trained Journalists: Champions Of Truth, Justice, And Human Rights

Habiba Sam In a world where truth is constantly under siege, journalists in Nigeria face an uphill battle to report on human rights abuses without fear of reprisal.

 The latest cases of banditry, Boko Haram attacks, and state agency abuses have created a new reality that demands a heightened sense of awareness and vigilance from media practitioners.

Recently, Amnesty International raised the alarm over the weaponization of the law against journalists, highlighting a disturbing trend of arrests, intimidation, and silencing of those who dare to expose corruption and abuse of power. 

The case of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist who was detained for exposing a ₦147 million scam, and the detention of Dayo Aiyetan and Nurudeen Akewushola for alleged cyberstalking and defamation, are stark reminders of the challenges journalists face.

Legal practitioner and rights advocate, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, noted that these arrests are not about crime but about power and silencing journalists who expose the truth. 

He emphasized that the Cybercrimes Act has been twisted into a tool for persecution, violating fundamental provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

The impact of these clampdowns on journalism is profound. Each arrest sends ripples of fear through newsrooms, pushing reporters towards self-censorship. The ultimate casualty is the Nigerian public, deprived of information critical to democratic accountability.

To address this issue, Dr. Mahmud recommended legislative reform of the Cybercrimes Act, stronger judicial protection for freedom of expression, independent oversight of security agencies, and a national reorientation that treats journalism as a pillar of democracy.

As journalists navigate this complex landscape, they must remain committed to their role as watchdogs of society. By sharing information, putting pressure on authorities, and working hard to save humanity, they can help ensure that the constitutional order is upheld and that press freedom is protected.

The struggle for press freedom is not just about journalists; it's about the Nigerian public's right to know and hold those in power accountable.

 As Dr. Mahmud aptly put it, "Press freedom is not a luxury. It is the lifeblood of democracy. A constitutional order that does not defend liberty, especially the liberty of the press, is a contradiction in terms."

In this challenging environment, journalists must stand firm in their commitment to truth-telling, even in the face of intimidation and harassment. The future of democracy in Nigeria depends on it.