Experts call for balance between freedom of expression and national security

Experts in the media, security and civil society Thursday came together in a webinar to discuss ways to balance freedom of expression and national security.
The online event with the theme “Mass Media and the Intersection of National Security and Civic Space in Nigeria” explored ways the media can effectively function without compromising the security of the nation.

Speaking at the event General Dambazau, former Minister of Interior described the media as gatekeepers who have the ability to facilitate social growth and development.
He encouraged journalists to approach issues from the national perspective while stating the need for a boost in freedom of expression.

Mr Cheta Nwanze a geopolitical consultant emphasized the need for ethical conduct in the media and civic space, calling on people with integrity to populate the media space to fight and reduce instances of fake news.
He called for the creation of a free and democratic atmosphere to enable people air their opinion without fear. Nwanze argued for equal distribution of national resources instead of so much concentration on security saying such concentration will only strengthen the security agencies while weakening other segments of the society.

Former Army spokesman Brig. Gen Sani Kukasheka Usman in his contribution said there was need for the press to be thorough in news gathering and dissemination, advising the Fourth Estate to always carry out proper investigation before publishing news. Emeka Izeze, Editor In Chief of the Guardian who also spoke at the webinar, said that the interaction between the media and security operatives should be less combatant and more complementary and collaborative as they are both working for the greater good of the nation.

The meeting which was moderated by former lawmaker Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje , was convened by Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research Nigeria (WISER)