Senate President Bukola Saraki has disowned the management of the National Assembly led by the Clerk, Mohammed Sani Omolori, over the stringent conditions imposed on journalists seeking to cover the activities of the Ninth Assembly, set to be inaugurated in June.
Igbere TV recalls that the National Assembly had on Monday, set a new new rule which stipulates that all intending NASS correspondent must provide “evidence of certificate of incorporation of the media organisation and tax clearance for two years.”
The statement was however met with serious backlash from various media organizations including the Nigeria Guide of Editors (NGE), pledging to resist the move.
On his part, Saraki, in a statement made available to Igbere TV on Tuesday, said he remain committed to the freedom of the press.
The statement was signed by his Special Assistant on New Media, Olu Onemola.
The statement explained that Saraki’s antecedents as the Chairman of the Eight National Assembly showed that he has always believed in the right of journalists to operate unhindered in order to promote transparency.
The Senate President, therefore, vowed to institute and probe into the idea behind the guidelines because neither himself nor the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, were aware of it.
Full Statement,
“The attention of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has just been drawn to a story that is circulating on social media about the National Assembly issuing new guidelines to journalists.
“These alleged guidelines have not emanated from either the Senate President or the Speaker and will be promptly investigated.
“The public should note that the Eight National Assembly has been committed to the freedom of the press as exemplified by its work to bring governance closer to the people through live streams and live tweets.
“This is because the leadership of the 8th National Assembly believes strongly in the freedom of the press and in carrying the Nigerian public along.
“Hence, the Senate President and all his colleagues will continue to work to ensure that these freedoms remain unhindered.”
