- What Happened: Journalists with valid credentials were denied access to the National Assembly chamber.
- Why It Matters: Raises serious concerns about press freedom and transparency.
- Who’s Affected: Reporters from major news organizations like The Guardian, Vanguard, and TVC News.
- The Big Picture: This incident raises questions about the government’s commitment to a free press.
Democracy Day Drama: Journalists Denied Access
In a stunning turn of events, journalists accredited to cover the National Assembly were locked out of the chamber on Thursday, June 12, 2025, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was scheduled to deliver his Democracy Day address. The President’s speech was a key event in the June 12 commemoration, but the press was conspicuously absent.
Valid Credentials, Closed Doors
Despite possessing valid accreditation tags, reporters from prominent news outlets including The Guardian, Vanguard, TVC News, Punch, News Central, The Nation, and ITV were turned away by security personnel. These weren’t just any journalists; these were the people tasked with keeping the public informed!
The ‘Special Accreditation’ Mystery
The reason? Security operatives, including DSS officials and the Sergeant-at-Arms, insisted that only individuals with “special accreditation” would be allowed to cover the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives. What exactly constitutes “special accreditation” remains a mystery, fueling speculation about the real motives behind the ban.
Who Got In? (Hint: Not the Press)
While accredited journalists were left out in the cold, numerous politicians, aides, and other individuals with no apparent official role were seen waltzing into the chamber. The optics were terrible: those tasked with reporting on the event were barred, while others seemingly enjoyed preferential treatment. This has sparked anger amongst journalists.
Following Along on TV? Seriously?
Security personnel suggested that journalists could follow the proceedings from television screens at the National Assembly’s media center. Imagine covering a live event from a TV screen! The press corps has rightly condemned this as an unacceptable restriction on their ability to do their job.
Is This an Attack on Press Freedom?
Many members of the press see this as a clear infringement on press freedom and a calculated attempt to limit media coverage of a significant national event. The Nigerian constitution actually protects freedom of the press, but this is yet another case in which journalists are not allowed to do their job properly.
What’s Next?
This incident raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and a free press. It remains to be seen whether there will be any investigation into the matter, or any measures taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. One thing is clear: the relationship between the press and the government is more important than ever.
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