The Federal government has responded to the request letter of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) for a special team for the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against journalists and other media workers saying it’s under process.

According to a report gathered by CEOAFRICA, the non-governmental organization said the government’s response to their request was contained in a letter addressed to MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo.

The letter was signed by the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu.

It stated: “Your letter requesting the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a specialised team of prosecutors to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of crimes against journalists and other media workers through the office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been received and is being processed.”

MRA also stated that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), had assured it that the proposal was being processed.

In its letter to the Government on October 26, 2021, MRA expressed grave concern that “despite the numerous cases of attacks against journalists in Nigeria in the last few decades, including many of them killed, no one has ever been charged with any crime for such attacks and nobody has ever been punished.”

The organization said the situation was reflecting negatively on the government and signals a wrong message to perpetrators that they can attack or even kill journalists and that there will be no adverse consequences for the perpetrators.

It noted that as a regional power and leader, it was critical for Nigeria to demonstrate moral leadership by living up to the commitments it had made, particularly in the African context, by respecting and abiding by such regional standards and instruments.