Journalists Barred From Attending National Conference Sittings.
On Tuesday reporters covering the ongoing National Conference were expelled from the sittings of nine committees.
On Tuesday morning the Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications, Akpandem James, said that "journalists can cover the proceedings of all the committees", Premium Times reports.
He only asked to report the proceeding of the committee on National Security "with caution because of its sensitivity".
But after that nine of ten committees' sittings denied access to reporters.
The only exception was the committee on National Security, headed by former Inspector-General of Police, Gambo Jimeta.
When those journalists who had earlier entered the rooms were asked to leave, the doors were immediately locked.
Among the committees that expelled the media representatives were: Devolution of Power; Political Restructuring and Forms of Government; Environment; Politics and Governance; Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reform; Social Sector; Transportation; Science Technology and Development; and Agriculture.
According to Premium Times, observers say that by shutting out the press, the Conference is automatically shutting out Nigerians.
To recall, the National Conference began on March 17 in Abuja and is to last three month.
Divided into 20 standing committees, the confab is meant to be a platform for Nigerians to discuss the issues of common concern.
Source: Legit.ng
