The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday condemned the renewed Federal Government clampdown on the media and gagging of free speech in the country.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party insisted that, without prejudice to the allegations or claims, the Federal Government had against Nigeria Info a broadcast station, on issues of content, the Federal Government could not, on its own, impose sanctions against a media house or individuals for expressing their right to free speech.
The main opposition party in the country said if any anybody, be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a state governor, a Senator of the Federal Republic, a Member of the House of Representatives, a public entity, or even the most ordinary Nigerian, had been libeled or their rights infringed upon by any other Nigerian, the process for redress was clearly stated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and should be followed.
“As a party, the PDP stands against draconian methods or underhand measures which this administration has set out to gag the media and erode the rights of Nigerians as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Our party holds that due process must be followed for redress in instances where violations are alleged and not by extra judicial sanctions and clampdown on the media, as being witnessed under the APC administration,” PDP said.
The party further stated that it condemned any attempt to gag the media and asked the APC federal government to rescind its draconian actions and revert to due process, as provided by the 1999 Constitution, in handling issues relating to the freedom of the media.
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