The International Press Institute Nigeria (IPI) recently conducted a comprehensive two-day training program, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, to equip leading journalists with the necessary skills to navigate ethical challenges and avoid the oppressive threat of ‘Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP).’ These lawsuits have become a common tool used by governments, politicians, and influential individuals to suppress ethical journalism.
The workshop focused on enlightening journalists about the importance of recognizing the boundaries set by the Constitution and other legal instruments that govern media regulations, anti-piracy legislation, cybercrime prohibition statutes, defamation law, NBC guidelines, and ethical codes. Through the use of relevant case studies, facilitators highlighted legal loopholes that senior journalists must be aware of and advised on how to avoid triggering media repression and lawsuits. Best practices for reducing, avoiding, and resolving lawsuits were also discussed.
The training underscored the significance of verifying stories using multiple platforms and emphasized the crucial steps required to fact-check information. Additionally, it emphasized the need for journalists to develop a critical mindset. The aim is to ensure that journalists have the necessary tools to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accuracy.
Malam Kabiru Yusuf, the Board Chairman of IPI Nigeria, encouraged all attendees to capitalize on the training program by upholding ethical principles in their work, thereby avoiding legal violations. Mojeed Musikilu, the President of IPI Nigeria, emphasized that the workshop aimed to address issues related to unethical behavior and to enhance media proficiency through professional development.
“We have been discussing laws, problems of unprofessional conduct, and all of that. We are hoping that in the end, our colleagues will be more professional. We are hopeful that we’ve been able to discuss all of these problems that are mitigating against the Nigerian Journalism sector,” said Musikilu.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of utilizing diverse platforms to verify stories and emphasized the need for media organizations to have legal advisors on their editorial boards or retained for necessary legal guidance in times of legal challenges.
While litigation cannot always be entirely avoided and should not be discouraged, all participants agreed that editors should make every effort to circumvent it due to its costly and time-consuming nature. Furthermore, the training emphasized that ethics and professionalism are essential in maintaining a reputable media sector. Fulfilling civic obligations, respecting and obeying laws, and maintaining ethical boundaries were identified as crucial components of ethical journalism.
The training, which took place in Lagos, marked the second phase of IPI’s “SLAPP Suits and Ethics” program. The organization intends to extend this initiative to other cities across Nigeria to equip more journalists with the necessary skills to navigate oppressive laws and uphold ethical journalism.
SLAPP Suits, also known as strategic lawsuits against public participation, are legal actions designed to suppress criticism or opposition by imposing a financial burden on critics until they surrender their stance or silence.
