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As the international community marks World Press Freedom Day, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on “the government of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s state governors, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to urgently ensure press freedom, protect journalists, and bring an end to the escalating insecurity and widespread human rights violations across several parts of northern Nigeria, including Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau, and Sokoto states.”
The statement followed the conference and interactive session on ‘the Role of the Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability, and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria’ held yesterday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja. The event was jointly organized by SERAP and NGE to mark World Press Freedom Day.
In a joint statement today, SERAP and NGE emphasised that “protecting journalists and safeguarding information integrity are central drivers of peace, security, and democratic stability.”
The groups said, “any credible peace, recovery, or security strategy in Nigeria must integrate support for free, independent, and pluralistic media alongside humanitarian, institutional, and economic responses.”
The groups expressed “serious concerns about the scale and persistence of killings, abductions, sexual violence, forced displacement, and destruction of property across several parts of northern Nigeria.”
According to the groups, “thousands have reportedly been killed and millions displaced, with rural communities repeatedly targeted and women and children bearing the brunt of the violence and insecurity.”
The statement, read in part: “these patterns reflect systemic failures to prevent foreseeable harm, protect communities, investigate violations, prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims.”
“Such grave violations constitute serious breaches of Nigeria’s obligations under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“The humanitarian consequences remain severe: communities destroyed, livelihoods lost, and victims left without effective remedies. The persistence of impunity continues to erode public trust and weaken democratic governance.”
“Nigerian authorities at all levels have binding constitutional and international human rights obligations to protect journalists, and end insecurity and impunity in the country.”
“The Tinubu administration, state governors, FCT minister and other relevant authorities must exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate, and remedy human rights violations, including by ensuring justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators and their sponsors.”
“We note that the UNESCO theme for the 2026 World Press Freedom Day Conference, ‘Shaping a Future of Peace,’ underscores the centrality of a free, independent, and viable media ecosystem to peace, security, and sustainable development.”
“The erosion of independent journalism and civic information ecosystems directly contributes to governance breakdown. When journalists are targeted through intimidation, repression, or impunity for attacks, corruption thrives, accountability declines, and misinformation spreads.”
“In such environments, information violence often precedes physical violence, deepening insecurity and undermining public trust in state institutions.”
“Protecting journalists in Nigeria is therefore not a peripheral issue but a core requirement for addressing insecurity and advancing democratic governance.”
“We recall that Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution mandates the media to hold government accountable, while Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression.”
“These provisions, alongside international human rights obligations, require Nigerian authorities at all levels not only to refrain from interference but also to actively protect journalists and ensure a safe environment for reporting on insecurity and human rights violations.”
“Addressing insecurity requires more than reactive responses. It demands sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, human rights and the rule of law. Embedding these principles into governance and security frameworks is essential to breaking cycles of violence and restoring public confidence.”
“We therefore call on the Federal Government, state authorities and FCT minister to: guarantee freedom of the press and expression; protect civic space and journalists, and promote victim-centred, ethical reporting; and publicly recognise that killings, abductions, and destruction of property are grave human rights violations that cannot be justified.”
“The Tinubu administration, state governors and FCT minister must conduct and ensure prompt, thorough and independent investigations into all violations; identify, prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors; and ensure effective remedies for victims, including compensation, restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition.”
“The Tinubu administration, state governors and FCT minister must work collectively to improve transparency in security operations and accountability processes; and fully implement constitutional and international human rights obligations.”
“We urge Nigerian authorities at all levels to create public reporting systems to track incidents, responses, and accountability and direct all institutions to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the human rights of everyone in the country.”
“We urge Nigerian authorities to invite relevant UN Special Rapporteurs and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Special Rapporteurs to undertake independent fact-finding missions on insecurity and associated human rights violations across several parts of northern Nigeria.”
“Their findings should inform concrete accountability measures, justice for victims, and structural reforms.”
“We also call on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution by convening an urgent public hearing on insecurity and attacks on journalists. This should examine the role of security agencies and other state actors and lead to stronger legislative reforms and safeguards for accountability and media freedom.”
“We further call on the international community to intensify pressure on Nigerian authorities to take concrete steps to end insecurity and impunity. This includes prioritising the protection of people, justice and accountability; safeguarding civic space; and ensuring that media organisations can operate freely without fear of reprisals.”
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN said at the event, “Entire communities are being destroyed in several parts of the north while perpetrators operate with little or no consequences. Impunity is not just a failure of justice—it is a driver of further violence.”
According to him, “any government that cannot protect its people—or refuses to hold perpetrators accountable—undermines its own legitimacy. Journalists are not the enemy of the State—they are essential partners in exposing abuse, preventing violence, and strengthening democracy.”
“All the participants expressed commitment to work to promote the effective implementation of these recommendations by appropriate Nigerian authorities.”
The interactive session was attended by senior members of the media, civil society groups and other stakeholders. Those who attended the event included: Richard Akinnola, Director, Media Law Centre; Eze Anaba, President, NGE and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers; Sumner Shagari Sambo, Director, News, Arise TV; Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Editor (Abuja), Thisday; Hamza Idris, Editor, Daily Trust; and Dr Olufemi Adekoya, Editor, The Guardian.
Others included: Godwin Ukaa, Deputy Director, News, VON; Paulyn Ugbodaga, COO/Consultant, CBI Digital Media Ltd; Joy Anigbogu, Political Editor, Daily Independent; James Oluyombo Tokode, Assistant Editor, The Nation; Ijeoma Popoola, Deputy Director, NAN; and Oluwatosin Odusola, News Editor, Eko FM.”
Others included: Zebulon Agomuo, Editor Sunday, Business Day; Emeka Madunagu, Publisher, Metrostar; Garba Alabi Kabir, Editor, The Guardian; Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Publisher, National Daily; Iheanacho Nwosu, Editor, The Sun; Niyi Ojemakinde, COO, Whispers FM/Peak Radio; and Odunewu Oluwasegun Ayo, Editor, National Daily ng.
Others who attended the event included: Peter Ekele, Editor in Chief, the Cabal; Charles Kalu, General Manager, Peoples FM; Ime Ufot, Group Executive Director, KAFTAN TV; Korede Ogunbunmi, HoD Journalism, Radio Nigeria; Iyabo Ogunjiyigbe, Sure FM, GM; and Gabriel Akinadewo, MD/Editor in Chief, Freedom Online and Assistant General Secretary, NGE.
Others included: Tony Iyare, Fellow, NGE; Ugomma Cokey, Editor, VON; Mustapha Isah, Director of News, Silverbird; Daniel Badru, Assistant Editor, The Guardian; Don Okere, Editor, Daily Independent; and Rose Moses, Editor, News Mart.
Kolawole Oluwadare Mr Onuoha Ukeh
SERAP Deputy Director Secretary, NGE
3/05/2026
Lagos, Nigeria
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
The Urhobo political leaders on Wednesday announced Dr. Austin Orette as the people’s choice in the 2027 Delta South Senatorial election.
‘’Dr. Austin Orette is a true leader and emancipator of the masses. He is also an epitome of truthfulness, consistency and firmness’’
The Urhobo communities in Delta South are backing Orette in the 2027 senatorial election and the reason is based on four major planks – his capability, credibility, clout and loyalty.
‘’We want the person who can transform Delta South as well as save it from drift after 2027. We want someone that understands the problems of the different areas of the district. We want someone that will give rural electrification, roads, agriculture, education, healthcare, employment and women empowerment attention’’
In a prepared text read on behalf of Okere and Agbarha indigenes by spokesman of Urhobo Progressives, Dr. Okpako Oki, the notable Urhobo politicians stressed that Orette’s ambition was an answer to the clarion call by well-meaning individuals in the senatorial district..
‘’Dr. Austin Orette is the people’s candidate come 2027. He remains the best for Delta South. His vision, credibility and upright nature are attributes that appear most to the good people of Delta South Senatorial District’’.
Titled: ‘’ Politics of ideas, issues and principles’’, the leaders emphasized the realistic and detailed plans of Orette to tackle the myriad problems stifling the progress of Delta South Senatorial District.
‘’Delta South needs someone with vision. Dr. Austin Orette will chart the right course and provide a clear focus for where the people and the district want to be and how to get there’’
They urged Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri leaders to reject individuals that have contributed to the district’s adversity.
‘’Dr. Austin Orette symbolizes the very best and will provide for the well-being of our people as well as deepen the mechanics of governance and service delivery in the district’’
The Warri South stakeholders urged Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri leaders to unite, set aside their political differences and support Orette.
Delta South Senatorial Candidate, Dr. Austin Orette, on Thursday appealed to the Police Service Commission (PSC) to make sure sadists and senseless people are not recruited to the Nigeria Police Force.
‘’It is an invitation to barbarism when those charged with the duty to enforce laws become the chief violators’’
He also described ASP Nuhu Usman, the police officer involved in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Delta State, as a person of depraved mind.
‘’I just watched the execution of a citizen by a policeman whose job is to serve and protect the citizens. This glaring abnormality must never be looked at in isolation. For this policeman to execute a citizen who is handcuffed in the glare of the public shows he is a person of depraved mind’’.
Orette in a statement urged the authorities to investigate the past activities of Nuhu Usman.
‘’He must have done a lot of killings that are not just in the purview of the public. His career must be investigated. He must be punished to the full extent of the law.
He urged Nigerians to raise money and litigate the case against the Nigeria Police Force.
‘’When those who are entrusted to enforce the laws become the violators of the law, society must issue punishment that deters any person of this ick’’.
He also emphasized the need for compensation to support the family of Mene Ogidi.
‘’The family and the loved ones of the victim must be fully compensated from the police pension and any earned income of this killer who has been fronting as a policeman’’.
The Delta South senatorial hopeful urged the police to prove to Nigerians that they are not hired killers.
‘’As we deepen our democratic practices, police must as a matter of urgency embrace democratic ethos. They must get rid of the anti-democratic culture they inherited from military dictators that wasted Nigeria’s best years’’.
The more I look at the murder of Mene Ogidi by ASP Nuhu Usman, the more I come to the conclusion that the Inspector General of police should resign.
His failure to supervise those under him is enough reason. In a situation like this, the head of the Nigeria Police Force must be held accountable.
What occurred is not an isolated event. His leadership has led to the lax and tolerant atmosphere of police criminality and brutality.
My questions are many and varied: How long has this unit been terrorizing the citizens of Ekpan? Why is a non-uniform police officer allowed to carry an AK 47 to terrorize the people? How did an officer of this depravity get promoted to ASP? Who is the head of the unit this depraved officer belongs to? That head must also resign. Has there been any prior complaint against this officer? Why did the Inspector General of Police transfer the case to Abuja?
All crime is local. A crime committed in Delta state should never be transferred to another jurisdiction. The victims of this criminality must see that the criminal is tried and see that justice is done. The officer must be returned to Delta state for trial.
Transferring the officer to another jurisdiction is akin to contamination of the crime scene and tainting of the evidence. Abuja has no jurisdiction in this case. It can be construed that this transfer is tantamount to a cover up for the criminal.
All crime is local. Try Abuja criminals in Abuja and we will try our criminals in Delta State. It is difficult not to allege a cover up by this irregular method of seeking justice.
There is no law that allows the police chief to transfer criminal cases wily nilly to a jurisdiction of his choice. What he has done must be seen as illegal and further insult to the community that has been traumatized.
The police Inspector General must resign for his failure to properly supervise the men under him. At this juncture, the public has lost confidence in his leadership.
The president must do the right thing and fire the police chief. The loss of his position is when true healing will begin. The next police chief must include periodic psychological evaluation of the men they supervise. Those found wanting should be given early retirement.
Democracy becomes dictatorship when leadership is not held accountable. Enough is enough. The behavior of the police chief is one of the reasons we need community policing that are under the supervision of local communities.
We should never tolerate a police body that thinks they are the judge, jury and executioners. We should also never tolerate policing by strangers who know nothing about local mores.
An engineer in Texas and Louisiana, Justin Obinna, has described Dr. Austin Orette as the best thing that happened to Delta South Senatorial District.
“This is the kind of Senator Nigerians truly deserve at this critical time”
He also listed accountability, restoration of the rule of law and a stand against the normalization of police brutality and impunity as ways to ensure purposeful and visionary leadership in the country.
In a statement in Texas, the member of the American Society of Civil Engineers said he had considered all the options available to the good people of Delta South Senatorial District in the 2027 election and came to the inescapable conclusion that Orette is the best man for the Senatorial job.
“Dr. Orette, a practicing medical doctor in the United States for over three decades. He is a rare intellectual and political juggernaut. He reminds me of Socrates timeless vision—that society flourishes when leaders become philosophers and philosophers become leaders. In him, we see not just a thinker but a man of action—one who combines intellect with compassion”
Obinna insisted that “Dr. Austin Orette is the only person that will meet the aspirations of Deltans and all well-meaning Nigerians.
“Dr. Austin Orette is not only a voice for justice but also a lover of the people and a true caretaker of the downtrodden. At a moment when public confidence in leadership is eroding, voices like his reflect the courage to demand responsibility at the highest levels”
The PhD civil engineering candidate of the University of Texas at San Antonio urged Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Urhobo leaders in the district to support Dr. Austin Orette.
“This is not just about one tragic incident—it is about a system that must be reformed to protect citizens, not terrorize them. A vote for Dr. Orette is ultimately a vote for justice, institutional integrity, and the return of public sanity”.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the adoption of 112 as the National Emergency Number at all levels and across relevant agencies as part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency lifeline and build a unified and coordinated national response to emergencies.
Council also approved the establishment of a multi-agency implementation committee and programme coordination led by the Office of the Vice President and National Communications Commission (NCC).
The approval was part of decisions taken against the 157th meeting of NEC held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Vice President said the 112 emergency lifeline had become necessary to prevent delay caused by bureaucratic bottlenecks, noting that what the citizens seek urgently when confronted by natural disaster or insecurity is an urgent response and not bureaucracy.
“This is not only a technical reform. It is a test of the state’s humanity. In moments of fire, accident, robbery, medical emergency, flood, violence, or panic, citizens do not need bureaucracy.
“They need response. They need to know one number to call, one system to trust, and one coordinated chain of action that moves quickly enough to save lives,” he stated.
Senator Shettima explained that while Nigeria is not beginning from zero, as the emergency number had been in existence, what is required at the moment “is coordination, adoption, standard operating procedures, public awareness, institutional ownership, and trust.”
He described NEC as the nation’s economic engine room, where the Federal Government and the states must convert the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into practical outcomes.
“We cannot build our way to a one-trillion-dollar economy by federal effort alone. We cannot create millions of jobs by speeches alone. We cannot expand exports, attract investment, secure communities, or unlock productivity unless every tier of government understands its role and performs it with urgency,” the VP noted.
Urging Council members to focus on decisions that would have impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, VP Shettima said, “History will not ask how many meetings we held. It will ask what changed because we met.
“It will ask whether our decisions reached the farmer, the manufacturer, the artist, the investor, the accident victim, the unemployed graduate, and the child waiting to inherit the country we are rebuilding.”
NEC also received a presentation on the rehabilitation of Police Training institutions across the country from its adhoc committee led by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and commended the adhoc committee for the work done so far.
It also called on the Ministry of Finance to expedite the release of the balance of approved funds for the take-off of the project and urged the committee to ensure national spread by capturing training institutions in each geopolitical zone in the first phase of the intervention.
Other highlights of the meeting include:
UPDATE ON ACCOUNT BALANCES AS AT 27TH APRIL 2026
The update for the accountant balances was given to Council the Accountant General of the Federation on the direction of the Minister of Finance as follows:
Excess Crude Account $535,823.39
Stabilization Account N72,844,895,696.42
Natural Resources Account N158,192,972,997.04
PRESENTATION OF NEC ADHOC COMMITTEE ON ERADICATION OF POLIO IN NIGERIA BY GOVERNOR INUWA YAHAYA OF GOMBE STATE
Council received a presentation on the NEC ad hoc committee on the eradication of polio across the country.
Council noted the extensive work done and ongoing across the country, particularly the strengthening of political commitment and coordination in the fight to completely eradicate polio in Nigeria.
Most significantly, Council noted the update about the second group of 12 states comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, Kwara, and Nasarawa, who will initiate vaccination efforts from May 2.
Call to action:
1. The Committee respectfully requests that you direct your state health teams to deliver targeted support and oversight, ensuring that all eligible children are covered.
2. Additionally, please ensure they keep you regularly informed regarding the
progress of the campaign.
3. That the Chairman of Council, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, kindly approve the expansion of the Ad Hoc Committee on Polio from six to include seven additional high-risk states (Jigawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, Niger, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa), ensuring full political oversight across all high-risk states.
The expansion will strengthen coordination, enhance accountability, and accelerate progress toward polio eradication.
Resolutions:
Council approved the expansion of the ad hoc committee to include seven additional high-risk states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, Niger, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states, ensuring full political oversight across all high-risk states and strengthening of coordinated and enhanced accountability as well as accelerate progress toward polio eradication.
PRESENTATION ON RENEWED HOPE CULTURAL PROJECT AND NAIJA SEASON BY THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ARTS, CULTURE, TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY
The Council received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, titled “Addendum to NEC Approval for the Renewed Hope Cultural Project and Naija Season.”
The presentation requested the release of catalytic funding for national implementation of the project.
It stressed that the Renewed Hope Cultural Project focuses on the preservation and restoration of historic sites, palaces, and monuments; capacity building; the establishment of Renewed Hope Creative and Cultural Villages; and the promotion of Nigerian culture and tourism assets across the country.
Council noted the point that Naija Season is Nigeria’s first unified national cultural and tourism calendar, designed to aggregate and promote the festivals, cultural events, tourism attractions, and creative economy activities of all 36 states and the FCT under one coordinated platform.
The Council was informed that the projected economic impact includes up to 1 million jobs by 2030; increased diaspora inflows, and a stronger global cultural influence.
Council was requested to approve the contribution of N200 million each by sub-nationals or any approved amount deemed fit, towards local execution and tourism activation, aimed at ensuring shared responsibility and shared benefits.
Resolutions:
Council approved the request for the contribution of N200 million each by sub-nationals towards local execution and tourism activation
Council also called for robust engagement with sub-nationals for actualization of the project.
DRIVING NIGERIA’S TRANSITION TO A DIGITALLY ENABLED, EXPORT-ORIENTED MANUFACTURING ECONOMY BY MINISTER OF STATE FOR INDUSTRY
Council was briefed on the industrial execution of the National Industrial Policy (NIP), 2025.
Council was informed that the finalized document underwent a rigorous validation process, including approval and adoption by the Federal Executive Council.
Council was further briefed that the NIP targets sectors with strong comparative advantages and high employment potential across several areas, including agro-allied industries, metals and solid minerals, oil and gas industrial activities, pharmaceuticals and medicals, as well as non-manufacturing activities.
Council was also informed that the Nigeria Industrial Cluster Programme (N-MICP) requires investment to develop the 76 clusters sampled, with the potential to generate total revenue of $2.74 billion over 25 years.
Resolution:
Council noted the presentation of the Minister of State for Industry and commended his efforts in revamping the national industrial ecosystem, particularly, the development of sub-national industrial policies to align state-level strategies with the NIP.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
30th April, 2026