Press freedom not an issue under my administration – Jonathan

Contrary to the insinuations that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is frustrating and suppressing the media, the presidency has dismissed the rumour, saying that journalists in Nigeria are free to practice their profession unperturbed.
The Special Adviser to Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said this Friday while speaking to the survey of the Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, which rated Nigeria as the most dangerous place in Africa, after Somalia, for journalists.

According to him, Jonathan has demonstrated determination, capacity and sincerity in protecting lives and property of Nigerians, describing as cordial, the relationship between the incumbent administration and the media.

He stated that there is no media repression in Nigeria as the Federal Government was committed to promoting the right to freedom of expression and of the press.

His words, “I read that report (about the CJP rating). The report is not dealing with government and media relations. It is referring to journalists caught in the crossfire of the Boko Haram activities in the north, and it is in protest to the security challenges in the northern part of the country. This cannot be a true reflection of the circumstances of journalists in the country.


“Even in places where there is violence, journalists are practising with freedom. In reality, journalists in Nigeria are free to practice their profession. The relationship between government and the media is cordial. It was this administration that signed the Freedom of Information bill into law and this has also further expanded the scope of human freedom on all fronts.

“Even in the northern part of the country where there are security challenges, this government has shown determination, capacity and sincerity in ensuring the protection of lives and property to all categories of Nigerians.

“Nigerians must beware of reports of this nature, which promotes sensationalism, rather than the truth. Press freedom is certainly not an issue in Nigeria under this administration. There is no media repression in Nigeria. This government is committed to the promotion of the right to freedom of expression and of the press,” he added.



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