Journalists accredited to cover the National Assembly were on Thursday denied access to the chamber where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was scheduled to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives as part of Democracy Day celebrations.
Despite holding valid accreditation tags, reporters from major media organisations were stopped by security personnel from entering the designated press gallery. President Tinubu was expected to deliver his Democracy Day address at noon, marking the June 12 commemoration.
- Brian Wilson’s top five Beach Boys songs
- June 12: Nigerians Still Face Hardship, Insecurity, and Hunger – Deji Adeyanju
Security operatives — including members of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other officials — said only individuals with “special accreditation” were allowed into the chamber. The restriction affected journalists from outlets such as The Guardian, Vanguard, TVC News, Punch, News Central, The Nation, and ITV, among others.
Ironically, while accredited journalists were locked out, several politicians, aides, and individuals without official roles were granted access to the chamber.
Security personnel directed members of the press to watch the proceedings from television screens at the National Assembly’s media centre instead.
The National Assembly press corps has since condemned the action, describing it as a breach of press freedom and a deliberate effort to limit media coverage of an important national event.