Lessons from Decree 4 and after
By Ben Mensah
The repeal of the obnoxious Decree 4 has brought a measure of euphoria to Nigerian journalists whose profession came under severe attack during the ill-fated Buhari regime. This writer examines some issues pertaining to its introduction and subsequent abolition.The jubilation within the ranks of journalists in Nigeria over the repeal of the Buhari/Idiagbon Decree 4 comes as no surprise to those who saw these same journalists rejoice over the coup that toppled the constitutionally elected government of President Shagari in 1983.
The arguments made by the coup makers of 1983 that the elected civilian leaders had become corrupt and incompetent were swallowed lock, stock and barrel by the journalists who were in no mood to entertain the slightest suspicions that the soldiers who were going to replace them were also human beings and Nigerians, capable of be- coming possibly more corrupt and incompetent than the civilians. These were journalists who, instead of diagnosing the factors that influenced Nigeria's leaders to become corrupt and through that help to plug the loop- holes in the practice of the democratic system and make it work for the benefit of all Nigerians, chose to base their criticisms of the civilian leaders on the premise that they ought to be kicked out of office through fair or foul means. Hence, even though the coup of 1983 was not a fair means of removing a government the Nigerian journalists found it proper to welcome it.
The point has often been made that because the media in Nigeria is predominantly owned by individuals, the problems and aspirations of the owners receive sympathetic attention in the media and that the journalists who work on these media simply fall in line to slant their stories in favour of their bosses. If these owners have political ambitions then the journalists merely join their masters' battle aimed at over- throwing their opponents in govern- ment. The question normally put is that if politicians in opposition find nothing wrong and, in fact, do encourage the violent overthrow of elected governments, why then should journalists be the only ones that are generally condemned when they write to welcome military overthrow government?
While this element of condemnation may appear to the journalists to be discriminatory and unfair the question that needs to be answered by journalists is: why should they normally expect preferential treatment from governments?
In 1983 they welcomed the coup that installed for twenty months what has been described as the most totalitarian regime Nigeria has ever had. Later, when politicians were flung into prisons the journalists did not complain. Again, the whipping rod was raised and workers were retrenched, warehouses were ransacked and goods discovered were arbitrarily auctioned. Striking doctors were dismissed, student and medical associations were disbanded, prices were allowed to escalate and together with widespread shortages, the average Nigerian was deprived of the essential necessities of life.
The point has often been made that because the media in Nigeria is predominantly owned by individuals, the problems and aspirations of the owners receive sympathetic attention.
However, when the all pervasive hand of the dictatorial administration reached the field of journalism with the promulgation of Decree 4 to prevent journalists from "ridiculing" the government or making "false allegations" against public officials and two journalists were, indeed, jailed under it the journalists then started to behave as if they had just discovered a dictatorial government. The repeal of this terrible decree by the Babangida regime deserves to be lauded more for its respect for funda- mental human rights than for the relief it brings to journalists who have betrayed their total lack of commitment to the success of the multi-party system of governance.
without pondering over what the new government expects from them. The nearest a member of the Babangida regime has gone to condemn Decree 4 and spell out what government expects from journalists was when Governor Garba Mohammed of Sokoto State told a group of journalists who had called on him that the Nigerian press and the present military administration should consider themselves as partners in progress.
Governor Mohammed said the government depended on the goodwill of the press extensively to perform hence the repeal of Decree 4 which "put a lot of restraint on the activities of the press." The governor then went on to advise the journalists not to do things that would make the repeal of Decree 4 a matter for regret.
Since the repeal of this Decree some members of the inky fraternity have incurred the wrath of some of their colleagues by suggesting that the journalists should exercise press freedom alongside responsibility.
To some journalists the mere men- tion of press responsibility justifies the notorious Decree 4 and should there- fore not be insisted upon by anybody. Undoubtedly, press responsibility or freedom are relative to the type of political system a country pursues. In Nigeria, despite Gen. Babangida's commitment to respect for human rights, the fact still remains that his regime is a military administration which, by its dictatorial nature, does not readily permit press criticisms and no amount of resentment expressed by some of the journalists against the advice of their colleagues to show responsibility in their work will simply change its philosophy and allow journalists to criticise the government at will. It therefore becomes obvious from the advice given by Governor Mohammed to the journalists that their duty is to assist the government to develop the country and that there is no room for unnecessary criticism. Such criticisms as emphasised by the Governor will give cause for regret over the repeal of Decree 4.
This is the message the repeal of Decree 4 brings which must be fully grasped by the journalists. After that they must realise that the type of press can only be achieved under a constitutionally elected democratic government. They should therefore use their columns to impress on General Babangida to take steps to quickly return Nigeria to civilian rule. Beyond that the Nigerian journalists should aiso pledge that they will never again endorse military coups against constitutional democratic freedom they want governments.
Review deportations
About two weeks ago, the Ghana Government issued deportation orders against four foreigners on the grounds that "the behaviour of these foreigners at their workplaces and in society at large, has over a period of time demonstrated a racist and contemptuous attitude towards blacks." It is understandable that in a society which has been striving for African emancipation and respect for the dignity of the black man both at home and abroad, such attitudes and actions as are attributed to these foreigners cannot be condoned.However, we believe there are some mitigating circumstances which might be considered so that the cases can be reviewed. Our information is that Mr Helmut Kolawoski of A. Lang has been in this country for 25 years, is married to a Ghanaian and has adopted three Ghanaian children. To all intents and purposes therefore, he has made Ghana his home.
The Freis of Accra Brewery, the Standard has learnt, have also been in this country for 22 years; after this long period of stay, Ghana may also be considered their home. Going back to West Germany may in fact mean starting their life all over again.
Mr Rignbeck of KLM is said to have been in the country for only a short time and we are not in a position to know his attitudes to blacks. However, we believe that both he and the three other persons deserve some reconsideration of their cases on humanitarian grounds.
The Standard is therefore appealing to the government to exercise magnanimity by enabling these people to re-enter the country with which three of them have been associated for so long.
