“Stop sidelining the press” – Public analyst warns FG
John Odebode, a public affairs analyst, has criticised the Office of the Secretary to the government of the Federation (OSGF) for turning journalists into mere spectators in the media world.
John Odebode, public affairs analyst, in an interview with Daily Times Nigeria on Saturday, questioned why the role of the media has been undermined in a so-called democratic state.
Odebode revealed that under the current administration, journalists are shut out of events, denied access to information and left chasing after selective press releases.
He bemoaned the treatment of the press as outsiders when they are provided by law to serve as the bridge between the government.
“This is not just disrespectful, it is reckless. The SGF’s office is too strategic to operate in secrecy if it has nothing to hide.
“Why relegate the press? Why silence those mandated to ask tough questions on behalf of Nigerians? What is playing out is clearly nothing short of media censorship by stealth.
“By sidelining journalists, the SGF’s handlers are trying to control the narrative, ration information, and weaken accountability,” Odebode said.
Speaking further, the political analyst reiterated the importance of the rule of law and emphasised the essential role of freedom of the press in a democratic state.
He admonished the government to act strictly in adherence to the provisions of the constitution and ensure that nothing tampers with the freedom granted to the press.
“But democracy does not work that way. A government afraid of the press is a government afraid of the people.
“The SGF must be reminded that journalists are not beggars at the gate of power but watchdogs of society. relegating them is to insult the public they represent, Nigerians deserve better,” Odebode concluded.
