FREE TO EXPRESS

Hiii there beautiful reader, welcome to another discussion on Knowledge Tent.

Today, we’ll be looking at Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which borders on the right to feeedom of expression and the press.

This section of the constitution provides that every citizen of Nigeria has the right to freedom of expression. That is, at any point in time, a citizen has the right to express his own opinions or view about any issue whether issues that pertain to the general public or amongst private individuals.

Article 10 of the African Charter also provides and guarantees the right to expression for a citizen.

However, you should know that the right to freedom of expression does not give right to libel, sedition or slander.

Also there is a restriction to the freedom of expression, as a citizen is not to reveal secrets that pertains to his country. For the purpose of preventing the disclosure of confidential information, there is usually a restriction to freedom of expression as stated in paragraph 3, of section 39 of the constitution

Right to Freedom of the press.

Furthermore, this right entails that the press, which is usually known as the “information provider” of the people has the right and freedom to receive, seek and disseminate information without any setback or interference by private individuals or any governmental agency.

The press includes broadcasting corporations , both television and radio, magazines and newspapers, internet blogs etc. any activity, either by causing a restriction or setback to the press in disseminating is an infringement on the freedom of the press.

Freedom of information ACT 2011 also guarantees the to Freedom of press
Also, there is a regulation on wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematograph films.

In practice, the National Television Authority(NTA) which is the foremost and largest television network in Africa has the sole right and responsibility to disseminate information to the public.

However, we must know that there are some regulations put in place to checkmat the information passed by NTA.

This concludes our brief discussion today on our Right to Freedom of Expression and the Press, please do well to enforce your right and as always..

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Article written by: Olayinka Aderinwale

Edited by: Esther Ude

Original image credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=freedom%20of%20expression&tbm=isch&hl=en&client=ms-android-samsung-gj-rev1&prmd=niv&sa=X&ved=0CGsQrNwCKABqFwoTCLCh9YiNuvoCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAH&biw=384&bih=726#imgrc=at0DR482bVKK_M