Ojukwu links media freedom to democratic survival, warns against rising violations
By A1 News Desk | Abuja, Nigeria | May 3, 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for zero tolerance toward attacks on journalists, warning that threats to press freedom directly undermine democracy in Nigeria.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, made the call on Saturday as Nigeria joined the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026.
In a statement commemorating the annual event, Ojukwu stressed that a free, independent, and pluralistic media remains central to the protection of human rights and the consolidation of democratic governance.
He noted that there is a clear link between press freedom and accountability, arguing that societies where the media operates without restriction tend to record higher levels of transparency and citizen participation.
“A free press is the lifeblood of any thriving democracy,” he stated.
Press Freedom a Fundamental Right
The NHRC boss emphasised that press freedom is not a privilege but a constitutionally guaranteed right, enshrined under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as in regional and international human rights instruments.
According to him, any attack on journalists represents an assault on democratic values and the public’s right to access information.
Rising Violations Raise Concern
Ojukwu expressed concern over increasing cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, and online harassment targeting journalists and media organisations across the country.
He also condemned incidents involving the killing of journalists in the line of duty, warning that such acts create a climate of fear and self-censorship.
“Every threat to a journalist constitutes a direct attack on democracy and the public’s right to know,” he said.
NHRC Begins Monitoring Framework
The Commission disclosed that it has begun systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide.
Ojukwu said the findings would be made public to support transparency, accountability, and evidence-based advocacy aimed at strengthening protections for media practitioners.
Call for Accountability and Ethical Practice
The NHRC urged government authorities, security agencies, and non-state actors to refrain from actions that hinder the lawful operations of the media.
It also called on law enforcement agencies to conduct prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into all reported cases of attacks on journalists, insisting that perpetrators must be brought to justice.
“Silence in the face of attacks on journalists emboldens further violations and erodes public trust,” Ojukwu warned.
He further encouraged journalists to uphold professional ethics and remain committed to truth and public interest reporting.
As Nigeria marks World Press Freedom Day 2026, the NHRC reiterated that safeguarding media freedom is a shared responsibility. The Commission maintained that protecting journalists is essential not only for press freedom but also for preserving democracy and all other fundamental rights.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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