PRESS RELEASE
The Council expresses concern over the recent reported stoppage of the distribution of major newspapers and harassment of vendors across the country.
The Council appreciates the explanation of the Ministry of Defence that the action was because of security concern, and advises that the military should avoid any action that could cast our democracy in bad light or be misconstrued as muzzling of the press. We urge the military authorities to relate with the press within the permissible democratic channels of the court and the press ombudsman whenever there is perceived infraction on the part of the press.
Similarly, the Council appeals to the press to go about its constitutional role of monitoring governance with utmost professionalism. We advise all parties to exercise restraint and work together to help create the necessary conditions for peace and resolution of the country’s security and development challenges.
Nnamdi Njemanze,
Acting Executive Secretary
09/06/2014