Senate President Bukola Saraki,
has reacted to the controversy over new requirements for accreditation of
journalists intending to cover the National Assembly.
Mr Saraki said he was never part
of the decision that led to the new guidelines.
The management of the National
Assembly on Monday issued new guidelines for the accreditation of journalists
covering the parliament.
The stringent provisions allow
television, independent producers and online media to present only one reporter
for accreditation. Each of them could present another as cameraman or
photographer.
Radio stations are allowed to
have only one reporter.
They also set tough benchmarks on
newspaper sales, internet audience, experience, tax clearance and others.
The press statement conveying the
message was signed by Agada Emmanuel, Director of Information.
It stated the new rule would take
effect from June 11.
The policy has drawn wide
condemnation from Nigerians who see it as a way to gag the press.
Reacting through Olu Onemola, his
Special Assistant on new media, Mr Saraki absolved himself and the Speaker,
House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara from the decision making that led to
the guidelines.
He promised to investigate the
new guidelines while stating his commitment to press freedom.
“The attention of the President
of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has just been drawn to a story that
is circulating on social media about the National Assembly issuing new
guidelines to journalists.
“These alleged guidelines have
not emanated from either the Senate President or the Speaker, and will be
promptly investigated.
“The public should note that the
8th National Assembly has been committed to the freedom of the press as
exemplified by its work to bring governance closer to the people through live
streams and live tweets.
“This is because the leadership
of the 8th National Assembly believes strongly in the freedom of the press and
in carrying the Nigerian public along. Hence, the Senate President and all his
colleagues will continue to work to ensure that these freedoms remain
unhindered,” Mr Onemola said.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com