The Dialogue With Agba Jalingo is a topical radio program which airs on Hit95.9FM Calabar, Sundays 6-7pm.
Introduction
The civic space is a concept rather than a physical space that created by a set of universally-accepted rules, which allow people to organise, participate and communicate with each other freely and without hindrance, and in doing so, influence the political and social structures around them.
It is the base of open and democratic societies and basically refers to states having a duty to protect people while respecting and facilitating the fundamental rights to associate, assemble peacefully and express views and opinions among others. Therefore, it is an extension of the society.
Civic spaces are usually enhanced and nurtured through promotion of rights enshrined in charters, conventions and constitutions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in Nigeria, Chapter four of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).
However, despite being the platform for engagements, there are concerns that the Nigerian civic space is shrinking due to actions and inactions of public office holders.
Many point to the increasing appetite for regulatory legislations with excessive executive powers such as the social media bill, the NITDA amendment bill, the press council amendment bill among others as red flags.
Is this true?
Also, the continuous harassment of the press by state and non state actors, the attacks on journalists and media houses amidst others have reinforced claims that there may be a grand plot to stifle the press, and shrink the civic space.
What are the barest minimums?
Empowered by Section 22, the media’s role is already carved out as both “glue” and “dynamite.”
How have attacks defined journalism practice in the country?
However, there arguments that an unregulated space leads to security challenges with State actors often pushing the rhetoric that freedoms cannot be absolute.
Which should supersede, rights or security?
What implications are there?
These and more are the focus of this week’s ‘The Dialogue With Agba Jalingo’ on Hit 95.9 FM Calabar, with the topic:The Shrinking Civic Space: Media Rights Infringement And It’s Implications On Journalism.
Listen to these and more with the Lead, Civic Activist and Media Practitioners Forum, Mr. Gabriel Adim during the live program from 6:15PM on Hit 95.9 FM Calabar today, Sunday, August 29, 2021.
You can also listen via Google podcast, mixlr.com/hitfmcalabar, https://audiomack.com/thedialoguecrs
To ask questions or contribute call 070095944836 or 08092444955;
Tweet to us @thedialoguecrs
Mention us on Instagram @thedialoguecrs
Or, The Dialogue With Agba Jalingo on Facebook.
Include #thedialoguecrs or #tdwaj in your questions and suggestions which will be taken as they come.
For adverts and sponsorship please call 08116050254, 08134585365.
Click to listen to podcast of this episode.
Leave feedback about this