Journalists Barred From Accessing NASS Chamber Ahead Of President Tinubu’s Address

On Thursday, journalists who were accredited to report on the National Assembly were prohibited from entering the chamber where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives in celebration of June 12 Democracy Day.

The president is anticipated to present his Democracy Day address at noon, coinciding with the June 12 commemorative events.

However, despite having valid accreditation tags, reporters from various prominent news organizations were refused entry by security personnel stationed at the entrance to the gallery, which serves as the official press gallery of the National Assembly.

Officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other security agents at the gate maintained that only individuals with “special accreditation” would be allowed access to cover the session.

The journalists impacted by this restriction include representatives from The Guardian, Vanguard, TVC News, Punch, News Central, The Nation, and ITV, among others.

While accredited journalists were barred from entry, numerous politicians, aides, and individuals without any official capacity in the proceedings were observed entering the chamber.

Security personnel instructed the journalists to follow the proceedings via the television screens located at the National Assembly’s media centre.

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Members of the press corps characterized this action as a violation of press freedom and a calculated effort to restrict media coverage of an important national event.