Ebonyi NBA Flays Umahi’s Life Ban On Journalists

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has described the purported life ban imposed on Vanguard and Sun newspapers Ebonyi State correspondents by Governor David Umahi as a sad reminder of military rule in Nigeria.

The legal body noted that the governor does not have the constitutional right to ban journalists, who have the constitutional responsibility to hold government accountable, as stipulated in Section 22 of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Recall that, on Wednesday, Umahi placed a life ban on Vanguard newspaper Ebonyi State correspondents, Mr Peter Okutu and his counterpart in The Sun Newspaper, Mr Chijioke Agwu, ordering that they should not enter the government and any government facility in the state.

Reacting to the development, the association, in a statement, by its National Publicity Secretary, Kunle Edun, said:

“The Nigerian Bar Association views the reported threat ascribed to the Governor of Ebonyi State allegedly banning two journalists for life as unfortunate and a sad reminder of the rule by force under the military regime.

“The Nigerian Press constitutes the fourth realm in the democracy estate and plays a very important function in ensuring the growth of our democracy.

“The right to Freedom of expression and the right to impart and disseminate information are constitutionally guaranteed rights under the Nigerian 1999 Constitution and same cannot be taken away by Executive fiat.

“The law against libel is available for anyone seeking remedies against false publications.

“Our democracy requires an unfettered and courageous press to grow. It is anti-people to gag the press.

“Government is expected to partner with the media, civil society organizations and professional organisations like the NBA to help in the delivery of the dividends of democracy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up alot of challenges for the government and citizens of Nigeria.

“However, in addressing same and carrying out the functions of governance, government officials should act within the confines of the law.”

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