The attention of FOI Counsel has been drawn to the press statement issued by the Edo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), titled “Edo SWAN Condemns Misleading Report on Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Defends Sports Commission Boss,” and finds it necessary to issue the following response in the interest of the rule of law, press freedom, and professional ethics.
While professional associations are entitled to issue clarifications and express disagreement with media reports, such responses must not cross the line into intimidation, coercion, or attempts to suppress lawful journalistic inquiry.
It has been noted that the publisher of Popular News, Mr. Isaac Olamikan, has since the publication of the said report been subjected to persistent harassment and intimidation by some colleagues within the Edo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), including undue pressure to retract the report and issue an apology, rather than address the substance of the issues raised therein.
Such conduct is unacceptable, unlawful, and contrary to the foundational principles of a democratic society.
Journalism in a constitutional democracy thrives on plurality of views, investigative reporting, and the right of the public to receive information, especially on matters involving public institutions and officials.
The report in question, which highlighted concerns surrounding access to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the Stephen Keshi Memorial National Under 17 Soccer Tournament, falls within the ambit of public interest reporting.
For the avoidance of doubt, no professional association possesses the legal or ethical authority to “verify” a media report in order to validate or invalidate it, as verification remains a journalistic process carried out by the reporter and the media organisation through sources, documents, and fact-checking.
At best, an association may dispute facts, offer clarification, or present an alternative narrative supported by evidence, but it cannot assume the role of an editorial authority over independent media platforms.
While FOI Counsel acknowledges the right of Edo SWAN to defend its members, including the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, such defence must be anchored on factual rebuttals, transparency, and open engagement not on threats, demands for withdrawal, or actions capable of silencing journalistic voices.
We duly remind Edo SWAN and its members that Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and of the press.
Any act, whether direct or indirect, that seeks to harass, intimidate, or professionally isolate a journalist for publishing a report of public interest may amount to a violation of constitutional rights and attract legal consequences.
Edo SWAN is therefore urged to immediately desist from any conduct capable of intimidating Mr. Isaac Olamikan or any other journalist, and to resolve any dispute through lawful, ethical, and constructive means.
This statement is issued without prejudice to any further legal steps that may be taken should the harassment or intimidation persist.
President Aigbokhan
Lead Counsel
FOI COUNSEL
+2348032683434 info@foicounsel.com
www.foicounsel.com
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