Freedom Of Expression, Catalyst For Socio-economic Development, Says Rights Advocates

Some human rights advocates have enumerated the importance of freedom of expression in the society.

The stakeholders made this known at a 2-day workshop titled: “A Litigation Surgery on Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression in West Africa.”

The event was organised by the MON Legal, Digital Media, Gender and Human Rights Advocate.

The Managing Partner of MON Legal, Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga, noted that freedom of expression is required for socio-economic development of Nigeria.

She said in order to enjoy the benefits of globalisation, “we need to ensure that the press is free.”

According to Mojirayo, it is globally acknowledged that one of the core functions of the mass media is to inform the society on all ranges of issues, not even to the exclusion of national security issues.

“The mass media has a role to play in ensuring that all possible shades of opinions are given access to the media platform and the coverage of kidnappings and other crimes are not an exception, as such the ban on such reporting contravenes Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution,” she said.

Also speaking, the Principal Partner, Ajare Noah & Co., Barrister Noah Ajare, stated that freedom of expression is a fundamental right next only to the right to life, and that same is very sacred.

Ajare said ensuring the freedom of expression in the country would bring about a better society.

He noted that the various laws regulating the media in the country give the government so much room to maneuver, suppress the press and fight opposition, considering the vagueness of some of the provisions of the laws like CyberCrime Act, Terrorism Act, the Broadcasting Code and several others.

He said “though Nigeria practices democracy, the reality is that the gag on the media creates a tensed atmosphere of fear and repression.”

Our reporter observed that the stakeholders at the meeting unanimously agreed that Nigeria enjoys a bit of freedom of expression compared to other countries in the sub-region.

They, however, noted that a lot needs to be done particularly with the recent massive clamp down on freedom of the press in the country.

They also noted the need to urgently do something about the increase in prosecution of journalists through colonial legislations of the Penal Code and Criminal Code.