Former Senate President, Lawan warns of democracy threat from impunity against journalists

The former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has stated that democracy and press freedom are threatened by impunity for crimes against journalists.

This was contained in a statement issued by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, on Thursday to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

The statement emphasised the vital role of journalists in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance and democratic processes.

The statement also cited data from the United Nations Observatory of Killed Journalists, which showed that over 1,600 journalists have lost their lives around the world in the last 17 years.

The statement urged governments, institutions, and civil society organisations to collaborate to bring perpetrators to justice and to prevent attacks against journalists.

The statement further called for a national plan to implement protective measures that guarantee the safety of journalists and end impunity.

The statement read, “Today, I join the international community in observing the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. This day serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by journalists worldwide and the urgent need to tackle the issue of impunity for crimes committed against them.

“This year, the annual observance is particularly relevant, as it underscores the critical role journalists play in providing reliable information, holding power to account, and defending democratic values. However, journalists continue to face alarming threats, including violence, harassment, and even deliberate killings, simply for reporting on important issues or exposing wrongdoing.

“Impunity for crimes against journalists remains a serious concern. Lack of accountability fosters a climate of fear, silencing not only journalists but also those seeking the truth and defending human rights. I strongly believe that impunity for these crimes undermines press freedom, erodes democracy, and threatens the foundation of any fair society.

The UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists reports that more than 1,600 journalists have lost their lives around the world from 2006 to 2023, with nearly 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining unsolved in courts.

It is vital for governments, institutions, and civil society organisations to collaborate to bring perpetrators to justice and to prevent attacks against journalists. By implementing comprehensive legal frameworks, effective investigation mechanisms, and impartial judicial processes, we can fight impunity, protect freedom of expression, and safeguard those who report the truth.

I urge governments to ensure the safety of journalists and create a conducive environment for them to report independently, without fear of retaliation. It is necessary to adopt protective measures, such as national action plans, to guarantee the safety of journalists and end impunity.

Furthermore, education is key to combating impunity. By raising awareness about the risks faced by journalists and promoting media literacy, we can foster a culture of respect for journalism and cultivate a society that values press freedom as a pillar of democracy.

On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, let us renew our commitment to promoting press freedom and defending the rights of journalists worldwide. I call on all stakeholders to take immediate action to end impunity and protect those who work tirelessly to bring the truth to light.