Leaders, Lawyers Demand Urgent Reforms For Nigeria’s Press Freedom, Democracy

Some political leaders and senior lawyers on Wednesday advocated for urgent reforms to strengthen press freedom, the rule of law and democratic governance in Nigeria.

The calls were made by Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani; former Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) during the presentation of the book: “Gani Fawehinmi and the Nigerian Press.”

The book, which focuses on his work with the Nigerian press, acts as both a tribute to Fawehinmi’s enduring legacy and a plea for enhanced protection of press freedom and democratic governance.

In his speech at the event, Governor Sani highlighted Fawehinmi’s role in widening Nigeria’s democratic space through relentless legal battles, including his contributions to the transition to a multi‑party system.

He recounted how the late activist once approved scholarships for indigent students from Northern Nigeria without hesitation, underscoring that Fawehinmi’s solidarity cut across tribe and religion.

Sani said, “He did not care about tribe or religion; he cared about character, such values must guide the current generation of leaders.”

The governor warned against calls by some groups for military intervention in governance, describing them as dangerous to democracy and freedom of expression.

He said Fawehinmi’s legacy demanded that Nigerians continue to resist any rollback of democratic gains.

Sani noted that Fawehinmi’s persistent legal challenges helped expand Nigeria’s democratic space, especially in establishing a multi-party system.

On his part, Mimiko discussed Fawehinmi’s political philosophy through his founding of the National Conscience Party (NCP).
Mimiko explained that the party’s slogan, “Abolition of Poverty,” reflected Fawehinmi’s focus on addressing the root causes of economic hardship rather than offering only temporary solutions.

He maintained that Fawehinmi would have opposed current narratives on subsidy removal, arguing that poor governance, not subsidies, is Nigeria’s primary issue.

Falana described Fawehinmi’s life as a lifelong challenge to Nigerians to pursue justice, transparency, and accountability.

He also lamented Nigeria’s ongoing infrastructural problems, especially in power, stressing that the fight for a better Nigeria must continue through brave journalism and principled legal action.

In a keynote speech, former vice‑chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Akin Ibidapo‑Obe, critiqued the 1999 Constitution, saying it burdens the media with responsibilities without adequate legal protections.

He stated that while the Constitution designates the press as a watchdog over government, it lacks sufficient constitutional support to fulfil that role effectively.

“If you assign responsibility without empowerment, that duty becomes meaningless,” he remarked.

Prof Ibidapo‑Obe pointed out that although Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression, it does not explicitly recognise the press, weakening media rights.

He recalled that during military rule, journalists relied heavily on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to challenge oppressive decrees.

He also warned about the growing influence of privately‑owned media controlled by political and business elites, which could harm public-interest journalism.

“The danger is that media ownership is shifting from practitioners to powerful interests seeking government favour,” he said.

He also mentioned the assassination of veteran journalist Dele Giwa via a parcel bomb, calling it one of Nigeria’s darkest media moments and a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face.

Prof Ibidapo‑Obe concluded that although the Freedom of Information Act 2011 was a step forward, Nigeria’s constitutional framework still needs urgent reform to fully guarantee press freedom and strengthen the media as a democratic pillar.