The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has condemned the recent attack on some media houses.
The Minister said any attack on media houses was an affront on democracy in the country.
Lai Mohammed said this in Lagos on Saturday when he paid a visit to the media organisations that were attacked in the aftermath of the EndSARS protest and the Lekki shooting.
“Whoever attacks free press is also attacking democracy because there can be no democracy without a robust and vibrant free press.
“That is why this attack must be condemned without any reservation. Closely those who came here came with a purpose. It was to shut down the voice of reasoning” he said.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to regulating the social media, stressing that the move was to protect the rights of other Nigerians.
The minister noted that he wasn’t going back on his earlier assertion that the government would control the media.
“A few people will say look at the minister who just few days ago was speaking about regulating the social media. What kind of double speech? He is coming here again to talk about protecting the media.
“Of course, I don’t see any contradictions in those positions. Yes, we would protect the free press; we would protect democracy and the rights of other Nigerians to express themselves. At the same time, we must protect the rights of others,” he added.
The minister’s remarks come 10 days after the headquarters of Television Continental (TVC) among other media houses were attacked by a mob in Lagos.
Related posts:
Attack on The Nation, TVC assault on Free Press, Democracy – Lai Mohammed
Lai Mohammed visits TVC News, denies allegations of media clampdown
Attacks on media houses in Nigeria worrisome – UN, UK
NBC meet with CEOs of media houses, enjoins all to use medium in fight against insecurity
Hong Kong court denies bail to prominent democracy advocate Jimmy Lai
Arrested Journalist: FG has no hand in it – Lai Mohammed
Lai Mohammed inspects Ilorin-Jebba road
Alleged N2.5bn NBC fraud: Lai Mohammed only appearing as witness – ICPC
