Accredited journalists were on Thursday denied access to the National Assembly chamber where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was scheduled to deliver his Democracy Day address to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.
BenriNews reports that despite possessing valid accreditation tags, media personnel from several major news organizations were turned away by security operatives stationed at the entrance to the gallery, who insisted that only individuals with "special accreditation" would be permitted to cover the session.
Security Blockade and Media Restrictions
Officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other security personnel manning the entrances implemented the restriction just hours before President Tinubu was expected to deliver his noon address as part of the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.
Sources at the scene revealed that while journalists were locked out, various politicians, aides, and individuals with no official roles in the proceedings were granted entry into the chamber. Security personnel directed journalists to follow the proceedings remotely via television screens at the National Assembly's media centre.
Members of the press corps have described the incident as an infringement on press freedom and a deliberate attempt to limit media coverage of a significant national event. The restriction comes at a time when transparent reporting on governance and democratic processes remains crucial for Nigeria's developing democracy.
President Tinubu's Democracy Day address is expected to highlight his administration's achievements and outline plans for strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria, making the media blackout particularly concerning for advocates of press freedom.
This development occurs amid reports of anti-government protests in parts of the country, including Lagos, as citizens express concerns over economic hardships and governance issues on Democracy Day.
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