The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights in Nigeria.
In light of the upcoming nationwide protests, the Centre emphasizes the importance of protecting the right to peaceful assembly and journalists’ safety.
WSCIJ notes that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and protected under international human rights laws.
The Centre joins other stakeholders in calling on the Nigerian authorities to prioritize this right and ensure journalists’ safety during the protests.
The statement highlights the risks faced by journalists while covering protests, citing the Centre’s 2022 media monitoring report.
WSCIJ emphasizes that the government has an obligation to protect journalists to maintain a healthy democracy and ensure the media can operate without fear of reprisal.
Non-violent protests are recognized as a vital form of democratic expression, allowing citizens to draw attention to systemic issues and demand change.
The recent call for protest is driven by rising cost-of-living and public grievances, prompting widespread calls for action.
As an organization dedicated to investigative journalism, WSCIJ recognizes the critical role of a free and robust civic space to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The Centre stresses that the Nigerian government has a duty to protect and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly and expression, ensuring law enforcement agencies respect and uphold these rights without intimidation or coercion.
Through the Civic Space Guard Project, WSCIJ remains committed to defending journalists’ rights towards a safer and more open civic space.
The statement urges state and non-state actors to respect the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and WSCIJ pledges to continue supporting efforts that promote freedom of association, expression, and participation.
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