… says 10th House committed to enacting laws that protect press freedom
The Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, has said that fostering gender equity is a responsibility of the legislature through relevant laws and resolutions.
Speaker Abbas also stated that the 10th House is committed to enacting legislation that protects the freedom of the press in the face of changing technological advancement that equally affects the social, political, and media landscape of the country and beyond.
The Speaker stated these while delivering an address as a guest speaker at the 2025 edition of the Press Week organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, chaired by Mrs. Grace Ike.
The event, with the theme: ‘Journalism in a Changing World: Media, Press Freedom, Democracy, and Society,’ was chaired by a former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Almakura.
The Speaker, represented by the chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Hon. Patrick Umoh, was honoured with the Gender Advocacy and Leadership Award by the FCT NUJ FCT.
Speaker Abbas said his push for gender equity in the ongoing constitution review, is to make the voices of the Nigerian women heard, noting that “The 10th House understands that gender equity is a legislative responsibility.
“Over the past year, we have prioritized bills and motions that promote the rights, welfare, and representation of women and girls across Nigeria.
“From reviewing discriminatory laws to promoting access to education, health, and economic opportunities, our legislative agenda has consistently emphasized the central role of gender justice in national development. We are proud to be partners in the gender advocacy mission, and we reiterate that the 10th House is the People’s House and our doors remain open to all Nigerians, especially those whose voices are often left unheard.
“We also acknowledge the strategic contributions of the female legislators in the 10th House, as well as the unwavering advocacy of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs and the committee of Women in Parliament. These women have led efforts on critical bills, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, gender-equal pay motions, and laws that address violence against women and girls, and most especially the current nationwide agitation for special seats for women in the legislature, which is receiving massive support from Nigerians and the Members of the House.
“Through collaborative efforts with civil society, they have amplified legislative attention on gender justice and social inclusion. As Speaker, I am proud to work alongside such dedicated legislators, whose passion and leadership continue to inspire progress across all sectors, and I am fully committed to ensuring the passage of the bill on special seats for women,” he said.
Speaker Abbas also used the occasion to announce the forthcoming legislative gathering to deliberate on the constitution alteration bill seeking to reserve special legislative seats for women at both the National and State Assemblies.
“Gentlemen of the press, it will interest you to know that, this Wednesday through Thursday, the House is convening a Special Roundtable event dedicated to deepening our legislative dialogue on the Reserved Special Seats Bill for Women. This engagement brings together lawmakers, advocacy groups, women leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders to refine strategies for achieving equitable representation.
“I must emphasize that the House is committed to concluding the legislative process on this bill and delivering results that will secure a more inclusive future for our country. I invite the media to support this bill through advocacy and sensitization of our people on the need to have women representation in the legislature,” Speaker Abbas said.
Stressing the importance of journalism in the advancement of democracy, the Speaker stated that since the media remains an indispensable democratic partner in ensuring electoral transparency and civic participation, the 10th House remains committed to ensuring the freedom of the press through relevant legislation.
“Over the years, journalists across Nigeria have demonstrated courage and professionalism in reporting elections, holding political actors accountable, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. In a time when misinformation and political apathy threaten democratic gains, the vigilance of the press remains our strongest safeguard. As lawmakers, we do not take this for granted. We recognize the media as both a watchdog and a partner in our shared mission of building a transparent and accountable democratic order.”
Speaker Abbas also called on the media to rededicate itself to the fight against misinformation, disinformation, and fake news in the era of social media and artificial intelligence using relevant fact-checking tools.
“In light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the deliberate spread of fake news, particularly through digital and social media platforms, I urge the Nigerian media to strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks. These should not be isolated initiatives but structured partnerships between major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions.
“As the 10th House of Representatives, we are prepared to support such frameworks through formal collaboration, including integration with our legislative oversight functions and public information systems. This partnership will ensure that citizens have access to verified, timely, and transparent information, especially on policy matters and electoral issues.
“Secondly, I encourage the media to spearhead the development of a national code of ethical conduct specifically tailored for digital journalism and social media reporting. Such a code should provide guidelines on the responsible use of sources, AI-generated content, and anonymous reporting, while also safeguarding press freedom.
“We in the National Assembly are open to backing this initiative with enabling legislation or resolutions that promote digital responsibility without infringing on the constitutional rights of our people. No country grows through fake news and misinformation because false narratives can destabilize institutions, and we must work together to build a media environment anchored on ethics, accuracy, and accountability,” Speaker Abbas said.
In a remark, Senator Almakura noted that “journalism today stands at a crossroads” as a result of the digital revolution, which, though remarkable, “has altered everything.”
“The tools of storytelling have evolved: from printing presses to smartphones, from typewriters to algorithms. The world is now a global village; news travels faster than thought. But with speed has come distortion, and with reach, vulnerability.
” Artificial intelligence, deepfakes, misinformation, and algorithmic bias now threaten to displace fact with fiction, and substance with spectacle. And nowhere is this more dangerous than in fragile democracies, where information can be weaponised, and where the truth is often the first casualty.
“Still, in the face of adversity, the Nigerian press has endured. You chronicled our joys and tribulations at the dawn of the Fourth Republic. You gave voice to the anguish of our youth during the #EndSARS protests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you were a calming presence amid the storm of uncertainty. In each moment of national reckoning, you rose to the task.
“But I must say this with the utmost clarity: freedom of the press is non-negotiable. Yet, like all freedoms, it demands responsibility. In this age of viral misinformation, our challenge is not merely legal—it is ethical. It is not just about laws or sanctions. It is about restoring editorial integrity, deepening professional standards, and cultivating a media culture that prioritises truth over traffic.
