Worried by the incessant assault and intimidation of journalists with Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), the International Press Institute, IPI, Nigeria has cautioned senior editors against falling prey of media oppressors.
At a two-day engagement that ended in Kano yesterday, experts urged the senior gatekeepers to be sensitive to copies’ capacity of provoking defamation of innocent character before passing their copies.
The workshop tagged “How to Avoid SLAPP Suits and Remain Ethical”, speakers at the workshop reminded participants not to under any condition, lose sight of their constitutional responsibility of holding the government accountable.
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IPI Board Chairman, Malam Kabiru Yusuf hinted at the critical role of the media in scrutinizing government policies and setting agendas, he added that journalists are equally expected to operate within ethical standards.
Malam Yusuf, who is also the Chairman board of Daily Trust Newspapers, worried over the volatile economic situation media operate in Nigeria, reminded that journalists should not be limited to compromise in holding authorities to account.
Former presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu who also cautioned over crossing the line of defamation insisted that incessant lawsuits may soon send media outlets out of business.
Malam Shehu however suggested constant checks and re-evaluation of practitioners on how to avoid litigation while holding the critical role of holding authority accountable.
President, IPI Nigeria, Mr. Musikilu Majeed said one of the biggest threats facing media organisations in the country is the challenge of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), a prediction he said solely aimed at silencing the media.
Citing the far-reaching damage already done by SLAPP in the country’s media landscape, Mr. Majeed said IPI is worried about the impending consequences of the instrument to media freedom and free press.
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“In Nigeria, a number of media outlets are being suffocated by SLAPP. In recent times, at least two journalists have been convicted of criminal defamation while two key independent media organisations have had their bank accounts frozen and their operations disrupted as a result of lawsuits.
“While law reform is critical in Nigeria and other countries to solve the problem of SLAPP, IPI Nigeria believes that another sensible response to the challenge would be to equip journalists with the skills they need to produce hard-hitting contents that can outsmart legal challenges.
“We believe that for the media to effectively work for the promotion of good governance and report governance more responsibly, there is the need to develop the capacity of journalists on how to do their jobs while minimising lawsuits professionally”. Majeed explained.