RismadarVoice Reporters, May 5, 2026
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, has called for zero tolerance for all forms of attacks, intimidation, and violations against journalists and media organisations in Nigeria, stressing that press freedom remains fundamental to democratic governance.
Dr Ojukwu made the call in a statement issued by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, NHRC to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, observed globally on May 3.
He said a free, independent, and pluralistic media is essential not only for the protection of human rights but also for the sustenance and strengthening of democracy, noting that there is a clear and direct link between press freedom and good governance.
According to him, societies that guarantee press freedom are more likely to enjoy accountability, transparency, and active citizen participation in governance processes.
The NHRC boss, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), emphasised that press freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as under regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He expressed concern over persistent cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical attacks, and online harassment of journalists in the country, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic values.
Dr Ojukwu also condemned incidents of violence against media practitioners, including the killing of journalists in the line of duty, describing such acts as grave violations that fuel fear, self-censorship, and weaken democratic accountability.
He disclosed that the NHRC has begun systematic tracking and documentation of violations against press freedom in Nigeria, adding that the findings would be made public to promote transparency, accountability, and evidence-based advocacy for the protection of journalists.
The Commission urged all levels of government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to desist from actions that hinder the lawful work of the media, while calling for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation of all reported attacks on journalists.
“Silence in the face of attacks on journalists emboldens further violations and erodes public trust,” Dr Ojukwu warned.
He further called on journalists to remain committed to ethical standards and professional responsibility in the discharge of their duties, while urging Nigerians to collectively defend press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and the protection of fundamental rights.
