Journalism is crucial in upholding and sustaining democracy in any country. Their importance in the society cannot be overemphasized, as their duties include holding the government accountable, informing and educating the public. There is no gain-saying that when journalists who put their lives on the line as the society watchdog is been attacked and their work undermined, democracy gets threatened and access to true information becomes expensive.
In Nigeria, journalists face a series of attacks from state and non-state actors, fueling troubling concerns about press freedom and human rights in Africa’s largest democracy.
Journalism plays a critical role in upholding and sustaining democracy in any country. Journalists act as watchdogs, holding the government accountable, and informing and educating the public. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, attacks on journalists are on the rise, posing a severe threat to press freedom and democracy.
According to a recent report, 45 journalists were attacked in Nigeria within three months. The report highlights that journalists are targeted for reporting on sensitive issues such as corruption, insecurity, and human rights abuses. These attacks are being carried out by various actors, including state security agents, political thugs, and other unknown assailants. The report noted that journalists are being subjected to online harassment and surveillance, including cyberbullying and doxing.
In 2022, 66 journalists from three media houses were attacked in the first quarter of 2022 alone. This underscores the severity of the problem, it highlights that journalists are being targeted for reporting on issues that are critical to the public interest, including corruption and insecurity.
Causes…
One of the causes of attacks on journalists in Nigeria is political instability. Nigeria has been grappling with political unrest for decades, with corruption and violence being major issues. Journalists who report on these issues often find themselves targeted by those in power who want to silence them. Additionally, some media outlets have political affiliations, which makes them targets for rival groups.
Another factor contributing to the attacks is the lack of accountability for those who carry them out. In many cases, the perpetrators of violence against journalists are never brought to justice. This impunity sends a message to others that they can attack journalists without consequence.
Impact on Democracy
The attacks on journalists have had a significant impact on Nigeria’s democracy. Journalists serve as watchdogs, holding those in power accountable and informing the public about important issues. When they are attacked, the public’s right to information is curtailed, and those in power can act with impunity. Without a free press, democracy cannot function properly.
However, attacks on journalists in Nigeria threaten the very fabric of democracy. When journalists are attacked, their ability to carry out their work is undermined, leading to a reduction in the quality and quantity of news reporting. This means that the public is deprived of information that is critical to their understanding of the world around them, and to their ability to make informed decisions about their lives.
Moreover, attacks on journalists send a message to the public that those in power are not willing to be held accountable for their actions. This undermines public trust in government and creates a culture of impunity that is detrimental to democracy. It also holds back critical thinking, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
Also, attacks on journalists can have a chilling effect on freedom of expression. Many journalists who have been attacked or threatened have been forced to self-censor or leave the profession altogether. This further reduces the quality of reporting and leaves the public uninformed about important issues.