Details

The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ade Abolurin was invited by KAS to lead this important roundtable on the 11th of November 2014.

He appreciated the Nigerian Media for being steadfast in their quest for a better Nigeria, despite all the harassment they have suffered. The CSOs were also lauded. He highlighted that the media educates, enlightens and also protects the citizens in their line of duties, so there is a synergy between the media and the security agencies. He sees no reason why the security agencies cannot and should not protect the media, if they expect the media to perform its function.

The Commandant General remarked that the security agencies and media find themselves in a high risk situation and must therefore foster good relationship, collaboration and synergy in performing their statutory functions. Acknowledging that journalists have often been victims of molestation and harassments, the media has a distinct role to protect, educate and enlighten the situation. The Commandant General therefore implored journalists to be unbiased, unsentimental and without compromise to contribute to growth and sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.

On her part, the Country Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Mrs. Hildegard Behrendt-Kigozi noted that Nigeria’s political experience is underscored by a healthy mistrust between people in power and the citizens. According to Mrs. Kigozi, where the actions of those in power are challenged, it brings about healthy application and balance use of power amongst politicians, government agencies and civil societies and this helps the Rule of Law to be put in place.

One of the participants pointed out that the security agencies and the Media/CSOs were suspicious of each other during the military rule and in the democratic dispensation, the situation has changed not for the better. Many politicians have opened their media houses, which support their political views, and put the non-partisan media practitioners at the risk of being labelled partisan. So the security agencies should be expecting media practitioners and CSOs to be non-partisan. So they can win the confidence of the security agencies.

One participant wished to discuss how security agencies should act when a journalist behaves badly. The Commandant General replied that often times journalists put themselves in danger, for instance by arguing with somebody who does not want to listen or reason along with them. Especially as a female journalist, first think of personal security in such cases.

The NSCDC reiterated that security assistance has been rendered to many media houses in the past, and if in future requests are sent to them, they shall be willing to be of assistance.

Dr. Abolurin advised the CSOs and the media to be upright, unbiased and unsentimental, so that the task before them to make Nigeria better can be achieved.

Key Recommendations:

- Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp should support KAS/CSO media platforms before, during and after elections to encourage dialogues and mutual understanding.

- Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp should engage KAS, CSO, Media Partners and Observers for the 2015 elections.

- Ahead of the 2015 general elections, KAS should invite more heads of security agencies, relevant government institutions and politicians in roundtable meetings.

- NSCDC should give security training, like how to behave in critical situations to journalists and CSOs with the assistance of KAS.