Senior Researcher, Africa Programme at the CPJ, Jonathan Rozen, who made the call, added that the challenges confronting journalists cut across borders.

Rozen spoke on Thursday at the virtual Annual General Meeting of Nigeria’s Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.

According to him, Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, is frequently being used to gag the Nigerian press, recalling how journalists like Agba Jalingo, Jones Abiri, Ime Sunday Silas and Sikiru Obarayese were detained for up to two years by security agents without even allowing them access to their lawyers and families.

He noted that that Nigerian media and Civil Society Organisations have over the years raised concerns and called for the reform of the Cybercrime Act as it violates Nigerians right of freedom of expression, calling for urgent amendment to the law.

Rozen said: “As you may have noticed, the Cybercrime Act, Section 24 is frequently used against the Press.

“Referred to as cyber stalking, this section criminalises the sending of a message that may cause broad implications, such as annoyance or needless anxiety.

“This wording is so big that it has the ability to criminalise wide laws on online activities, including publishing and distribution of journalism.

“Of course, Cybercrime is a real problem in need of a government response but this law is clearly being used to target and prosecute the Press.

“Journalists publishing online are also vulnerable to the various other challenges faced by the entire Nigerian Media community.

“Our Reporter reveals constant harassment, attacks and intimidation against journalists in Nigeria and their willingness to use digital forensics technology design to break into phones and computers in efforts to reveal sources.”

Speaking further, Rozen said rather than taking steps to repeal or amend the Act, the Nigerian authorities have come out with “a number of other laws brought before lawmakers, that have further put online journalists at risk”.

Rozen said: “One of these is the proposed Social Media Bill, against which the Nigerian Press and Civil Societies came up powerfully.

“Like the Cybercrime Act, it demands pressing time for vaguely worded crimes, associated with distribution of information.

“When analysing the Nigerian Social Media Bill, we find strikingly similar language to a law in Singapore, about which CPJ also raised concerns.”

The GOCOP 2020 AGM held virtually owing to the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.

Earlier in his welcome address, the GOCOP President, Dotun Oladipo, who is the Publisher of The Eagle Online, said the year 2020 is an unusual year for businesses generally because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oladipo however expressed delight that despite the challenges occasioned by coronavirus, GOCOP members have remained in business.

Benaoyagha Okoyen, Consul General at the Nigerian Mission in New York, and Mr. Ramon Nasir, Head of Communications at the United Bank for Africa Plc, joined the opening session and delivered goodwill messages.

Also present at the pre-AGM formalities were the Head of the Corporate Communications Department of Zenith Bank Plc, Sunday Enebeli-Uzor; and a representative of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited.

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This call was made on Thursday by the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Ben Okoyen, when he delivered his goodwill message to the virtual Annual General Meeting of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.

The Consul-General advised that in order to carry out such duties, it was important for journalists to continue to be reliable.

He added: “Your focus and loyalty must be towards the citizen. Be citizen conscious.”

Okoyen said those in power also rely on reports by the media, therefore journalists must portray the truth always.

He urged media practitioners to always verify their reports and avoid one-sided stories.

Speaking earlier, Jonathan Rozen of the Committee to Protect Journalists, noted that the Nigerian media has been incredibly dynamic and daring.

No doubt, he said, there is vibrant journalism going on in Nigeria.

However he noted that there is ongoing threat to online journalism, which is consistent with the crackdown on the mainstream media.

Rozen identified, among others, the Cyber Crime Act being used to target the media.

He listed some of the journalists and online publishers who have fallen victim of official harassment over the years in Nigeria.

He suggested that going forward, there was the need for broad international solidarity to champion the cause of freedom for journalists.

Addressing the GOCOP’s virtual AGM, Ramon Nasir, Head of Communications, United Bank for Africa Plc, said the fact that the Guild has chosen to hold the meeting despite the odds arising from the COVID-19 pandemic was evidence of the seriousness of the group.

Ramon commended the professionalism of GOCOP members, saying they have held on to the ethics of the profession by ensuring balanced reports.

He said the presence of CPJ and other guests was an indication that the association was willing to brighten the future of its members.

In his opening address earlier, GOCOP President, Dotun Oladipo, noted that this year’s AGM was unusual because of the times we live in.

Oladipo said it was the COVID-19 pandemic that made it impossible for the Guild to hold its usual two-day AGM.

Fortunately, the GOPCOP President said, none of the Guild’s members was lost to the pandemic.

Also present at the pre-AGM session were the Head of the Corporate Communications Department of Zenith Bank Plc, Sunday Enebeli-Uzor; and a representative of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited.

After the opening session, the AGM proper was held virtually and issues relevant to the association were discussed.

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