By Hassanat Adebowale
The Lagos State Police Command has refuted claims that its officers barred journalists from entering the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA). The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, addressed the issue in a post on his X handle, on Monday.
Hundeyin was responding to a report published in a national daily with the headline, “Police deny journalists entry into the Lagos State House of Assembly.” He clarified that the police had not restricted entry into the Assembly complex.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to debunk news making the rounds that the Police has restricted entry into the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Hundeyin stated. “To forestall a breakdown of law and order, CP Olohundare Jimoh ordered the proactive deployment of human and operational resources to the House of Assembly. This is also to ensure water-tight security and prevent miscreants and thugs from causing mayhem.”
Hundeyin emphasized that entry is allowed into the Assembly complex for journalists and anyone with legitimate business there. “For clarification, entry is allowed into the Assembly complex for journalists and every other person with genuine business to carry out there,” he said.
He explained that part of the measures employed included the diversion of vehicular traffic around the Assembly complex. “This is necessary to ensure firm grip and control over the security architecture. There is no restriction of movement into the Lagos State House of Assembly. The traffic diversion was proactively implemented to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the Assembly and its surroundings,” Hundeyin added.
The police spokesperson reiterated that the measures were taken to maintain security and order, not to restrict access to the Assembly. He urged the public to disregard the false reports and assured that the police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
GI’s Legal Corner
Under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, every citizen, including journalists, has the right to freedom of expression and access to information. Section 22 of the Constitution further empowers the press to hold the government accountable, emphasizing its role in promoting transparency and democracy. Any action that unjustly restricts journalists’ access to public institutions could be seen as a violation of their constitutional rights.
At the same time, law enforcement agencies are empowered to regulate public access to sensitive areas under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates the state to ensure the security and welfare of the people. The challenge lies in making sure that security measures don’t unnecessarily infringe on journalists’ rights to report freely.
In this situation, the police’s explanation that traffic diversions and heightened security were precautionary measures aligns with their duty to maintain public order.
However, it’s crucial that these measures do not unjustly prevent journalists from doing their jobs. Security concerns must be balanced against the press’s constitutional role, and any excessive restrictions could face legal challenges.
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