Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Aide to the President on Media and Publicity, has condemned the past suppression of media freedom, recalling a former President's drastic action of demolishing a media station with bulldozers due to dissenting opinions. In a recent interview with TVC, Ngelale contrasted this authoritarian approach with the current administration's commitment to the rule of law, as demonstrated by the Minister of Information's decision to pursue legal action against Daily Trust Newspaper for spreading false information about the Samoa agreement.
Ngelale emphasized that the government's approach ensures actions align with democratic principles, unlike the oppressive measures of the past. He noted that seeking legal recourse is a legitimate exercise of rights, and Nigerians would see the court case as a lawful means of seeking justice, not a draconian step. This statement highlights the importance of media freedom and the government's responsibility to protect it, while also upholding the rule of law and promoting democratic values.
By referencing the past attack on the media station, Ngelale underscored the progress made in promoting press freedom and the current administration's commitment to democratic principles. His comments also serve as a reminder of the importance of holding governments accountable for their actions and ensuring that the media can operate freely without fear of repression.