Freedom of Expression and the press (Introduction)
- Introduction
Freedom of expression and the press dey very important if society go develop. Freedom of expression dey important bcos without am, we no go fit enjoy some other rights becos if dem abuse other rights wey we get, how we go take talk am if we no get freedom to they talk?
As this right dey important reach, e dey for plenty international, regional and our own law for Nigeria. This right also allow us to dey partake for kind decision wey dem dey make for us for Naija. Dem Oga patapata for International Court on human rights tey tey talk sey:
“Freedom of expression na big stone wey democratic society stand ontop. Through am, we go fit know public opinion. Na through this right political parties, trade unions, scientific and cultural societies fit develop and na im we fit use to influence the public. Na him we fit get people inform wetin dey go on. Na im fit makebring personal development wey high for people and value of democracy.[1]”
Section 39 for our 1999 Constitutioncome sey:
- Everybody get the right to express himself, receive information and share information make no body disturb am.
- Everybody get right to set up and dey operate his platform to share information, idea and opinion. E fit be radio, Television,newspapers dem.
But the pesin must to get the approval of President as the law talk am before he go fit own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting station for any reason.
If we sey freedom of expression, it mean sey freemdom wey everyone get to:
- hold opinions
- Receive and dey pass on information and ideas
- Orally, in writing, in print, art through dem media and other mediums. Dem fit restrict am for the interest of others and the society[2] . This reason we don put under “If we dey write as we like, open our mouth like basket, weting we no suppose write or do make gbege no happen?”.
[1] Advisory opinion OC 5/85 8 EHRR, 18 (1985)
[2] Kehinde M. Mowoe, Constitutional law in Nigeria 2018 Malthouse Law Books
