DSS media clampdown proves Buhari has no respect for democracy
I don’t know if to be genuinely worried about the recent actions of the Department of State Security (DSS) operatives or I’m just simply paranoid.
If the recent actions of the DSS operatives are anything to go by, then President Buhari appears to harbour deep resentment and zero tolerance for critics and citizens with opposing views.
The spate of unjustified arrests and attacks, particularly on media houses, is leaving a bad taste in the mouth.
But Mr President needs to be reminded, we are no longer in the military era.
The clampdown on media houses such as Premium Times, Biafra Times and more recently, CoreTV in Abuja, is as undemocratic as any government can be.
CoreTV was shut down on Friday and the Managing Director said the media house had not been notified of any wrongdoing prior to the DSS operatives barricading its premises.
The DSS has somehow found a way to carry out its irresponsible operations like the proverbial “thief in the night.”
As it was during the dreadful military era, journalists now have to constantly look over their shoulders for daring to speak on prevalent issues in the country. That is not good at all, Mr President – NOT good.
Media houses have a duty, to investigate, inform and educate the public on decisions made by the government and how that affect their daily lives. It is part of the ethics of the job, as it is part of the President of the Federal Republic’s job to ensure the safety and protection of every citizen.
The President was elected on what could be described as a “vote of confidence”, but he is rapidly burying his name in the rubble of Nigerian leaders who don’t have listening “ear”.
For God’s sake, I don’t want to shudder at the thought of speaking or writing on what I feel the government is doing wrongly!
DSS should please stop, with immediate effect, the harassment of media houses or persons who have contrary views to how the affairs of the country is being run.
Let us have a voice!
*Taofik Bankole’s column features on Newsroom every Friday.
