NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
As Nigerians mark Democracy Day, a day meant to celebrate civil liberties, transparent governance, and the sacrifice of heroes past, the events that unfolded at the National Assembly on Thursday painted a starkly different picture—one of exclusion, opacity, and growing mistrust.
Dozens of accredited journalists, some from Nigeria’s most respected media houses—The Punch, Vanguard, Guardian, TVC News, News Central, The Nation, and ITV were barred from entering the press gallery to cover President Bola Tinubu’s long-anticipated Democracy Day address. This abrupt restriction, carried out by DSS operatives, National Assembly security, and Sergeant-at-Arms personnel, came with no formal explanation only a vague reference to “special accreditation.”
This incident isn't just a logistical oversight; it’s a chilling signal. The press, often called the Fourth Estate of democracy, was denied access on the very day Nigeria claims to be commemorating its democratic ideals. While journalists were confined to a separate media center and forced to watch proceedings from afar, political aides and individuals without formal roles in the event roamed freely inside the chambers.
In response, the National Assembly Press Corps issued a stern condemnation, calling the restriction “an infringement on press freedom” and a betrayal of the principles being celebrated. Ironically, President Tinubu himself has repeatedly professed commitment to transparency and democracy, but his government’s actions continue to raise alarming contradictions.
This isn’t the first time journalists in Nigeria have faced such treatment under Tinubu's administration. With previous reports of media intimidation and state security’s overreach, this incident fits into a concerning pattern of press suppression.
Transparency International Nigeria and civil society groups have also raised eyebrows, questioning whether this restriction was a deliberate attempt to control narrative, shield public officials from scrutiny, or muzzle critical questions about governance performance.
Democracy isn’t just about elections or official ceremonies—it thrives on open dialogue, institutional accountability, and press freedom. What happened at the National Assembly is more than a temporary barring of access—it reflects an administration that may be drifting toward authoritarian tendencies while hiding behind democratic rhetoric.
For a nation still healing from past military rule, and for citizens demanding answers on insecurity, inflation, and corruption, closing the door on journalists is closing the door on the people.
Editor’s Note: As Nigeria reflects on June 12—the day symbolizing democratic triumph—we must ask: Can a democracy without a free press truly represent the people?
