Throughout Nigeria’s history, the press has been a vital pillar of democracy, serving as the voice of the people, a watchdog for corruption, and a force for social change. But during the military regimes that gripped the country for decades, journalists faced tremendous challenges. The fight for press freedom was not just a battle for the truth, but a fight for survival. This feature looks back at the courage of Nigerian journalists who stood firm in their pursuit of truth and their determination to ensure the voice of the people could not be silenced, despite constant threats, intimidation, and censorship.
The Military Era in Nigeria: A Dark Period for Journalism
Nigeria’s experience under military rule was marked by a series of harsh regimes that sought to control the narrative and suppress dissent. The military government viewed the press as a threat, especially when it began to uncover the excesses of the rulers and speak for the voiceless in society. This became particularly apparent during the numerous coups and the long stretches of military dictatorships that began in the late 1960s and continued through to the 1990s.
In these times, the government imposed tight censorship laws, forbidding journalists from publishing anything deemed detrimental to the regime’s image. Media houses were either forced to toe the government’s line or face closure, harassment, or worse. Newspapers, radio stations, and television stations were often banned or censored for covering events that went against the military government’s narrative. Editors and reporters were routinely arrested, tortured, or silenced for their stance on the truth.
Press Freedom Under Siege
One of the darkest days in Nigerian journalism came during the regimes of Generals Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985), Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993), and Sani Abacha (1993-1998). These military rulers imposed stringent measures to ensure the media did not undermine their hold on power. The most common tactics included the banning of newspapers, confiscation of print materials, arrest of journalists, and the imposition of heavy fines on media outlets.
Under Buhari’s regime, for instance, a clampdown on the media began almost immediately after his coup in 1983. Newspapers like The Guardian and Newswatch were targeted, with editors arrested and press freedom severely restricted. Journalists found themselves under constant surveillance, and the slightest hint of criticism toward the government could lead to imprisonment.
But it was under the regime of General Sani Abacha that press censorship reached its most severe. Abacha’s government was known for its heavy-handed approach to any form of dissent. Journalists were forced to operate under constant fear of reprisal. The notorious National Media Commission (NMC) had the power to shut down media outlets for publishing anything considered to be anti-government, and this was a period where journalists had to carefully navigate what they could or could not report.
The Courage of Nigerian Journalists
Despite the oppressive climate, many Nigerian journalists showed remarkable courage in the face of danger. One such figure was Dele Giwa, the founding editor of Newswatch magazine. Giwa was known for his unflinching pursuit of truth, especially regarding corruption within the government. He was eventually killed by a letter bomb in 1986, an act widely believed to have been orchestrated by the military government in retaliation for his investigative journalism. His tragic death symbolized the high price many journalists paid for their work during the military era.
Another iconic journalist of the era was Kudirat Abiola, the wife of business magnate Moshood Abiola, who was an outspoken critic of the military regime. Kudirat played a crucial role in the advocacy for democracy and the release of political prisoners, including her husband, who had won the annulled 1993 presidential elections. Kudirat’s activism made her a target, and she was assassinated by military operatives in 1996. Her death sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the deadly risks journalists and activists took to fight for democracy in the face of military brutality.
But there were also media houses that took a stand. The Guardian newspaper, under the leadership of its founder, Dr. Alex Ibru, became a symbol of resistance during this period. Despite repeated closures and harassment from the military, The Guardian never wavered in its commitment to journalistic integrity and press freedom. Many other newspapers, such as The Punch, The News, and This Day, also played a pivotal role in ensuring that Nigerians were kept informed despite the government’s best efforts to stifle dissent.
The Role of Foreign and Local Support Networks
While the government’s repression was severe, Nigerian journalists were not fighting alone. Many found solidarity in foreign organizations such as Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which consistently highlighted the plight of Nigerian journalists and condemned the military’s actions. These organizations helped draw international attention to the abuses faced by the press and called for sanctions and actions to protect press freedom.
Locally, journalists found support among civil society organizations, activists, and members of the Nigerian public who believed in the importance of a free press. The media, especially during the years leading up to the return of democracy in 1999, became the rallying point for those advocating for civilian rule and democratic governance.
One of the critical movements that shaped this period was the #FreeNigeria campaign. This was a broad-based coalition of journalists, human rights activists, and ordinary Nigerians who used the media to fight against military rule. It brought together people who were committed to the belief that freedom of speech and a free press were fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society.
The 1999 Return to Democracy and the Future of Press Freedom
The return to democracy in 1999, with the election of Olusegun Obasanjo, brought a glimmer of hope to the press in Nigeria. For the first time in over three decades, journalists could breathe a little easier. While press freedom was not entirely guaranteed, the new civilian government was much more open to constructive criticism from the media. The press could now operate without the same level of fear that marked the military regimes.
However, the battle for press freedom did not end with the return to democracy. Although the press has more freedom today, challenges still exist. Journalists in Nigeria continue to face threats from political figures, powerful corporations, and even their colleagues in high places. In 2020, for instance, the Nigerian government attempted to control the narrative by passing laws that could muzzle the media, including the infamous “Social Media Bill” aimed at curbing online expressions.
Nevertheless, the sacrifices made by Nigerian journalists during the military era cannot be forgotten. Their courage and resilience laid the foundation for a more open and democratic press, and their stories remain a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian media.
The Legacy of Nigerian Journalists
The history of journalism under military rule in Nigeria is not one of despair but of resilience. Journalists like Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others paid the ultimate price to ensure that the truth was told. Today, the press continues to serve as an important check on power, even as it faces new challenges in a democratic era.
The struggles of journalists under military rule remind us of the importance of press freedom in any society. It is a reminder that a free press is not just a luxury, but a necessity for democracy, accountability, and the protection of human rights. The courage of Nigerian journalists in the face of oppression will forever inspire future generations of journalists who continue the fight for truth, justice, and freedom of expression.
