Enhancing the safety and protection of journalists against police brutality and govt officials – the need for strategic litigation
In Nigeria, abuse and disrespect for journalists by officials of government and agencies are common place even though the Nigeria Constitution describes the role of the media and journalists at the realm of the 4th Estate having the same legislative powers and significance as the judiciary, legislative and executive.
At LightRay Media, we are championining the need to have a legal framework and clearly defined policies that protects the lives and properties of journalists against the impunity of government officials, which has finally come to a head.
Journalists who are frontliners and first respondents amplify the voices of victims and survivors of police brutality and abusesof office by many a government official against citizens, hence they must be giving their the respect and pride of place as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Rublic of Nigeria.
The onus is now on the Nigeria National Assembly to review the Constitution on the safety and protection of journalists.