Accredited journalists were on Thursday denied entry into the National Assembly chamber, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives in commemoration of Democracy Day.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver his Democracy Day speech at noon as part of activities marking the 12th June commemoration.
Journalists from several major news organisations, despite possessing valid accreditation tags, were reportedly denied entry by security personnel stationed at the entrance to the gallery.
According to officials of the Department of State Services, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other security operatives manning the gate, only individuals with “special accreditation” would be granted access to cover the session.
It was gathered that while accredited journalists were locked out, several politicians, aides, and individuals with no official role in the proceedings gained entry into the chamber.
Security personnel instructed the journalists to follow the proceedings from the television screens at the National Assembly’s media centre.
Meanwhile, members of the press corps described the move as an infringement on press freedom and a deliberate attempt to limit media coverage of a significant national event.
