BY DAYO BENSON

Lawyers in the Media, LIM, has added its voice to the condemnation of a recent siege on the press, over military clampdown on the press, following their arrest and seizure of circulation vehicles belonging to some newspaper houses.

LIM, in a statement by its chairman, Mr. Charles Odenigbo, condemned the federal government over what he described as obnoxious actions against the press.

According to him, “When military officers begin to impound circulation vans of newspaper houses to prevent the circulation of newspapers, it becomes worrisome and total abuse of the rule of law. This is obnoxious, it is unwarranted and a gross violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens whether individuals or corporate citizens to pursue their legitimate businesses. If the military feel aggrieved in any way all that is expected of them is to reply or go to court. This affront amounts to testing the waters for other heinous probable steps in concert.

“Nigeria is gradually slipping back into what we saw during the military era; it is very obvious that the government of the day is not very clear about the rules of democracy. Section 13 of the 1999 constitution as amended clearly states the fundamental obligations of the government includes  to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of the  constitution especially the provisions  of chapter two which deals with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of State policy.”

He stated further that, “Nigeria practices a system of government based on the principles of democracy and social justice. Now there are certain clear objectives or State policies that we are expected to adhere to in terms of political objectives, environmental objectives, foreign policy and much more. Section 15 (5) states that “the state shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

Wondering where the government derived the power to clamp down on media houses, Odenigbo said, “Section 22 of the constitution also imposes a heavy obligation on the mass media. That Section states that the press, which includes newspapers, magazines, radio, televisions and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in chapter two of the constitution and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”

He stated further that, “this is a clear indication that the government and their military cohorts do not have tolerance for democratic ideals and norms. A government that does not tolerate free press is not a democratic government at all; it has put on the apparel of dictatorship.

“I am really disappointed that the Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okukpe, could justify the action of the military on the flimsy excuse that they were searching for sensitive security documents. I am surprised that he has reduced politics to that level; there is nothing that the military is looking for. The President of Nigeria is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and he takes responsibility for whatever happens in the country. They cannot cook up excuses to cover up for their errors.”