The centre described the threat and censorship faced by media practitioners in the course of carrying out their statutory responsibilities as unacceptable and absurd.
A civic organisation, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the recent challenges of assault against the media, including the alarming increase in arrest and intimidation of journalists.
The centre described the threat and censorship faced by media practitioners in the course of carrying out their statutory responsibilities as unacceptable and absurd.
Addressing journalists during the maiden media convening in Abuja on Thursday on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Lucy James Abagi, the Director of Partnerships and Innovation of the centre, called on the Nigerian government to stop using the Cybercrime Act to suppress the media and civic space.
He described the arrest and degrading treatment of an editor, Segun Olatunji, for exposing alleged corruption by the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila as barbaric capable of threatening press freedom and undermining the nation’s democratic process.
“The media and Journalism remains an essential component of every democratic society. Part of our discussion Today, must address a pressing issue that threatens the very foundation of our democratic society: theincreasing arrests and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria.
"The recent detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, held without charge for over a week, is a stark reminder of the hostile environment faced by independent media. Ojukwu's arrest, following his exposure of corruption involving senior Nigerian officials, underscores the dangers faced by those who dare to hold power accountable.
"This is not an isolated incident. The arrest of journalists like Segun Olatunji, who was detained and mistreated for revealing alleged corruption by the president's chief of staff, reflects a broader pattern of repression. These actions threaten press freedom and undermine our democracy. So far in 2024, our partners at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have documented over 34 cases of arrests nationwide. We are increasingly concerned that the Cybercrime Act is being used to suppress the media and civil society as a whole.
"At PPDC, we stand in solidarity with journalists and media organisations, recognising their critical role in promoting transparency and accountability. We call on the Nigerian government to uphold the rights of journalists, ensure their protection, and foster an environment where the media can operate freely and without fear."
Also speaking the Senior Communications Officer, Mercy Don Igwe, expressed concerns over increasing clampdown on the journalists who are demanding accountability from the government and its officials.
She said the PPDC would stand in solidarity with journalists and media organisations facing threats and censorship" adding that it is imperative for the Nigerian government to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists who risk their lives to uncover the truth.
“In today's Nigeria, the media's role in promoting transparency and accountability is more critical than ever," stated Jubril Shittu, CEO of PPDC. "Events like this. underscore our commitment to empowering journalists and defending media freedom globally."
“The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Unwavering in the Face Censorship: The power of Resilient Reporting," which highlighted the challenges journalists face and strategies to uphold journalistic integrity despite censorship pressures.
“The panel included distinguished speakers who shared their experiences and insights on navigating hostile environments to report truthfully. The discussions emphasized the crucial role of media organisations in safeguarding journalists and fostering a climate of transparency and accountability within the industry” Mercy added.