U.S. Consul General Expresses Concerns About Press Freedom In Nigeria

United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo has expressed
concern about the introduction of new legislations that muzzle the
press in Nigeria, urging journalists and activists to protect press
freedom.

Speaking on Wednesday at a programme titled: “A Conversation on
Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space in Nigeria”
held at her official residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Pierangelo said
though Nigeria had a “vibrant democracy and a relatively free
press”, the suspension of micro-blogging platform Twitter and new
legislation to check social media use and prosecute offenders would
encroach on human rights.

She said: “I have been in Lagos as Consul General since 2019. I
have spoken with hundreds, perhaps thousands of Nigerians about
democracy, elections, and the history of Nigeria. These
conversations have shaped my perception that Nigeria has a vibrant
democracy and a relatively free press.

”However, some concerns remain about the freedom of journalists
to do their job.

We take note when legislation is introduced which could have
significant consequences for the freedom of the press.

”In addition, Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of
Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements
for other social media platforms is deeply worrisome. Banning or
significantly restricting social media, including under threat of
prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental
freedoms. We are encouraged by the meetings between Twitter and
government technical committee last week aimed at resolving the
suspension.”

Pierangelo said the consequences of restricting free speech
would relegate important issues to the background.

“History is full of cautionary tales showing that when
governments try to limit citizens’ right to talk about certain
topics, important conversations are pushed into the shadows
allowing individuals to express their opinions — no matter how much
the government and other citizens may disagree with them. Rigorous
debate promotes transparency and social stability,” she said.

To keep the press free, Pierangelo said reporters, editors,
media executives, and civil society representatives “must remain
vigilant to protect the right to freedom of expression and press
freedom.” She said for the media to function well in its role as
the fourth estate of the realm, it must be “both independent and
unbiased” so it does not end up being a public relations tool in
the government’s hands.

“Without independence, a media outlet functions as a public
relations mouthpiece for the government and other powerful
interests,” she said.

The U.S. Envoy advocated for responsible reporting and good
journalism.

“The United States, however, understands that with more freedom
comes more responsibility. Advances in technology and increased
reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make
the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial.

More than ever before, good journalism relies on accurate,
in-depth, and critical reporting of facts on matters of public
concern or interest,” she said.

The programme featured a panel discussion on press freedom and
the civic space moderated by TVC News Senior Anchor Mike
Okwoche.

The panelists were Foundation for Investigative Journalism
founder Fisayo Soyombo; Arise TV Managing Director Ms Ijeoma
Nwogwugwu and Jiti Ogunye Chambers Principal Counsel Jiti
Ogunye.

Soyombo said rather than restrict the press, the powers of the
press should be expanded. Ogunye underscored the need for
government agencies like the National Broadcasting Corporation
(NBC) to follow the constitution and allow for a fair hearing
before punishing perceived offenders. On her part, Nwogwugwu
lamented that the civil space was shrinking because many were
sponsored by politicians to fulfil personal goals.

Prominent journalists and media scholars at the event included
Nigerian Guild of Editors President Mustapha Isah; Journalism
Professor Ralph Akinfeleye; CEO, Media Careers Services, Mr. Lekan
Otufodunrin; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and
Punch Editor, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, among others.

United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo has expressed
concern about the introduction of new legislations that muzzle the
press in Nigeria, urging journalists and activists to protect press
freedom.

Speaking on Wednesday at a programme titled: “A Conversation on
Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space in Nigeria”
held at her official residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Pierangelo said
though Nigeria had a “vibrant democracy and a relatively free
press”, the suspension of micro-blogging platform Twitter and new
legislation to check social media use and prosecute offenders would
encroach on human rights.

She said: “I have been in Lagos as Consul General since 2019. I
have spoken with hundreds, perhaps thousands of Nigerians about
democracy, elections, and the history of Nigeria. These
conversations have shaped my perception that Nigeria has a vibrant
democracy and a relatively free press.

”However, some concerns remain about the freedom of journalists
to do their job.

We take note when legislation is introduced which could have
significant consequences for the freedom of the press.

”In addition, Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of
Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements
for other social media platforms is deeply worrisome. Banning or
significantly restricting social media, including under threat of
prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental
freedoms. We are encouraged by the meetings between Twitter and
government technical committee last week aimed at resolving the
suspension.”

Pierangelo said the consequences of restricting free speech
would relegate important issues to the background.

“History is full of cautionary tales showing that when
governments try to limit citizens’ right to talk about certain
topics, important conversations are pushed into the shadows
allowing individuals to express their opinions — no matter how much
the government and other citizens may disagree with them. Rigorous
debate promotes transparency and social stability,” she said.

To keep the press free, Pierangelo said reporters, editors,
media executives, and civil society representatives “must remain
vigilant to protect the right to freedom of expression and press
freedom.” She said for the media to function well in its role as
the fourth estate of the realm, it must be “both independent and
unbiased” so it does not end up being a public relations tool in
the government’s hands.

“Without independence, a media outlet functions as a public
relations mouthpiece for the government and other powerful
interests,” she said.

The U.S. Envoy advocated for responsible reporting and good
journalism.

“The United States, however, understands that with more freedom
comes more responsibility. Advances in technology and increased
reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make
the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial.

More than ever before, good journalism relies on accurate,
in-depth, and critical reporting of facts on matters of public
concern or interest,” she said.

The programme featured a panel discussion on press freedom and
the civic space moderated by TVC News Senior Anchor Mike
Okwoche.

The panelists were Foundation for Investigative Journalism
founder Fisayo Soyombo; Arise TV Managing Director Ms Ijeoma
Nwogwugwu and Jiti Ogunye Chambers Principal Counsel Jiti
Ogunye.

Soyombo said rather than restrict the press, the powers of the
press should be expanded. Ogunye underscored the need for
government agencies like the National Broadcasting Corporation
(NBC) to follow the constitution and allow for a fair hearing
before punishing perceived offenders. On her part, Nwogwugwu
lamented that the civil space was shrinking because many were
sponsored by politicians to fulfil personal goals.

Prominent journalists and media scholars at the event included
Nigerian Guild of Editors President Mustapha Isah; Journalism
Professor Ralph Akinfeleye; CEO, Media Careers Services, Mr. Lekan
Otufodunrin; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and
Punch Editor, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, among others.