Daniel Bwala, a former spokesman for the Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign, has expressed his support for the arrest of journalists and media professionals under Chief Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Bwala emphasised that journalists involved in criminal activities do not have immunity and can be lawfully apprehended by security agencies.
During an appearance on ChannelsTV’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Bwala, who has become a vocal supporter of Tinubu, stated that the current administration upholds the rights of Nigerians, including the right to free speech.
He noted that while many critics of the government are freely expressing their views, those involved in criminal activities must face legal consequences.
Bwala stated, “I will make bold to say that we are making appreciable progress with respect to free speech. And I can count nothing less than five prominent critics of this government who are walking freely.
“For those who are arrested, you have to deal with it on a case-by-case basis because even if you are a journalist, if you are involved in a crime, you don’t have immunity. That’s the point. Even if you are a lawyer or a journalist, if you are involved in a crime, you don’t have immunity.”
His comments come amidst growing concerns about the treatment of investigative journalists under the Tinubu administration.
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There have been reports of security agents arbitrarily arresting and detaining journalists for extended periods, with their families often unaware of their whereabouts until civil society groups and pro-democracy activists intervene.
However, Bwala maintained that journalists who believe they have been unlawfully detained should seek redress through the courts.
“The other thing is that we have the courts to preserve the rights of the Nigerian people. If you are unlawfully detained or unlawfully arrested, you can approach the court for the enforcement of your fundamental human rights.
“Unless someone comes with a contrary report, I for one believe that under this administration of Bola Tinubu, the rights of the Nigerian people are protected,” he added.
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