Civil Society Organizations under the Auspices of League of CSOs in Kano have cautioned the police against being political instrument of intimidating Journalists.
The League made the call in connection with an invitation to a journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, following complaint of alleged criminal defamation filed by the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Rogo.
Recall that Jaafar had recently exposed alleged diversion of N6.5 billion from the office of the DG Directorate of Protocol, a matter which is already under the investigation of federal anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The call, endorsed by no fewer than 22 various Civil Societies expressed deep concern over the invitation extended by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One, Kano, following the directives of the Chief Magistrate Court No.15, Nomansland, Kano.
They stressed that such investigations must be conducted within the boundaries of fairness, justice, and due process. “The police should not, under any guise, be used as instruments of political suppression or intimidation against journalists whose constitutional role is to expose corruption and hold leaders accountable.
“Journalists are not only the watchdogs of society but also the voices of the voiceless and defenders of truth. As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the press has a sacred mandate enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every citizen, including journalists, the right to freedom of expression, including the right to own, establish, and operate media platforms. Furthermore, Section 22 of the same Constitution expressly mandates the press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media to ensure that government remains accountable to the people.
“Therefore, any attempt to muzzle the press through intimidation, harassment, or criminal charges undermines these constitutional guarantees. Such actions also cast doubt on the sincerity of governance and weaken the credibility of our democratic institutions.
“Remember that democracy thrives where press freedom is protected, and citizens are allowed to freely access information without fear. Conversely, democracy withers when journalists are gagged, silenced, or criminalized for performing their legitimate duties.
“We therefore strongly urge the Nigeria Police Force, particularly Zone One Headquarters in Kano, to approach this matter with utmost caution and impartiality. The police must resist political pressure and confine themselves strictly to their professional mandate. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in the eyes of the public.
“The League also calls on the judiciary to exercise restraint in granting orders or directives that could be exploited to silence critical voices. Courts, as citadels of justice, must prioritize the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, which are indispensable to sustaining democracy and the rule of law.
“Finally, we reaffirm our solidarity with the media community in Nigeria, particularly investigative journalists, who continue to expose corruption despite intimidation and threats. The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, and journalists should be commended, not persecuted, for their contributions”, they added.
