Journalists in Nigeria have been urged not to be deterred in their responsibility of holding the government and those in power accountable.
The call was made during a one day Webinar session organized by the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) in collaboration with the Human Rights Journalists Network, Nigeria with the theme; Media Ethics in the Digital Age : Data Data Rights and Privacy in Digital Media.
During the session, journalists were reminded of the responsibility saddled on them as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria which include demanding for accountability but at the same time, operate within the ambit of the law.
The Country Director, Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) France in Nigeria, Angela Iwuchukwu emphasized the need for journalists to treat with outmost care, issues around data privacy of their contacts as well as themselves.
“Is important to balance data rights and privacy. As much as the Constitution guarantees our right to data and rights to privacy, we invite you to uphold this in handling and processing people’s privacy and personal data.
Media organisations must embed privacy, transparency and accountability into their operation To balance public interests with personal dignity”, she added.
Iwuchukwu further added, “as Journalists, you are much more likely to be targeted for data breach because you are working on important stories some persons find disturbing to them, but it’s the digital age and most importantly, we are in a democracy”.
“Take your privacy seriously and avoid sharing too much information about you on digital platforms to prevent intrusion and easy surveillance “.
Angela, however, noted that, the ASF is aware of ambiguous sections in some acts in the country as regards to data and privacy, but journalists in the country are once again encouraged to abide by Nigerian Data Protection Act to avoid unnecessary litigations and where such laws are manipulated to harass any journalists, the E-Rights Project will be there to render legal support for the Journalist involved.
The Executive Director, Human Rights Journalists Network, Nigeria Mr. Kehinde Adegboyega re-echoed the need for Journalists to protect their sources at all times.
He said, despite various laws used to manipulate or force Journalists or media homes to reveal their sources especially on the excuse of national security, practitioners of the 4th realm are charged to remain resolute.
He said the non-profit network partners with local and international organisations to build movement that aligns with human rights values to ensure that they continue to do their work without fear and most importantly build their capacity.
“We further ensure journalists are able to confidently do their work and hold government accountable and even private individuals”.
“There is the need for Journalists to call for review of some of these laws on data protection, privacy and national security.
Government must allow for a free press by removing “clauses” subject to multiple interpretations which are often used to harass Journalists and often detained.
They are doing their lawful jobs and the government should rather make clear laws that protects rather than intimidate and threatens them” he said.
The webinar session was attended by Journalists, lawyers, members of CSOs and other across Nigeria and from abroad.