By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
Nigerian journalist and press freedom advocate Livinus Chibuike Victor has called on Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa to clarify her remarks about journalism and issue a public apology to Nigerian journalists.
Victor described the remarks attributed to Dabiri-Erewa as dismissive of the profession and the contributions of journalists working to inform citizens, expose wrongdoing and hold public officials accountable.
In a statement, he argued that although journalism faces challenges, including misinformation, political interference, ethical violations and declining professional standards, these problems should be addressed through reforms rather than sweeping generalisations about the profession.
‘You cannot discredit the entire profession simply because you are dissatisfied with its present condition. Criticism is legitimate, but it must be responsible, constructive and respectful of the people who continue to keep the profession alive,’ Victor said.
Victor noted that journalists across Nigeria often work under difficult conditions, facing intimidation, harassment, threats, unlawful detention and financial hardship while carrying out their duties. He added that some have lost their lives in the line of duty.
He maintained that journalism remains essential to democratic governance because it provides citizens with information, exposes abuses of power, amplifies marginalised voices and creates opportunities for public debate and accountability.
The press freedom advocate also pointed to Dabiri-Erewa’s background in broadcasting and journalism at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she became known for presenting Newsline before entering politics and serving in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2015.
According to Victor, her experience in the profession should encourage her to offer constructive criticism and support efforts to strengthen journalism rather than make remarks that journalists could interpret as disparaging.
‘If journalism is facing a crisis, the appropriate response is to help rebuild it, strengthen its ethical standards and protect the independence of journalists. It is not to insult those who are still doing the work under difficult circumstances,’ he said.
Victor called on Dabiri-Erewa to clarify her comments and issue an unreserved public apology. He also urged her to support media freedom, journalist safety, ethical reporting and constructive engagement between government institutions and the press.
He acknowledged that journalism, like other professions, must be open to criticism and reform, but insisted that criticism should be fair, specific and respectful of practitioners who continue to work with integrity.
‘Journalism is not dead. Nigerian journalists are still working, asking difficult questions, exposing wrongdoing and giving a voice to the voiceless,’ Victor said, reiterating his call for a public apology.
Source: Statement by Livinus Chibuike Victor, Nigerian journalist and press freedom advocate.
