Several accredited journalists covering the National Assembly were barred from entering the main chamber, where President Bola Tinubu is set to speak to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives for Democracy Day.
This is despite having proper identification, the reporters were held back by security personnel and were not allowed inside as preparations for the President’s arrival continued.
The President is expected to deliver his Democracy Day speech at 12 noon as part of activities marking the June 12 commemoration.
Even with valid accreditation tags, reporters from major news outlets were turned back at the entrance to the National Assembly’s press gallery on Thursday.
Security officers, including personnel from the DSS and the Sergeant-at-Arms, said only those with “special clearance” would be allowed in to cover the joint session with President Tinubu.
While journalists with proper accreditation were denied entry, several politicians, aides, and other individuals without any clear official role were seen going into the chamber.
Security officers directed the reporters to watch the event on the TV screens at the National Assembly media centre instead.
Some members of the press expressed disappointment over the development, saying it limited direct media access to an important national event.
Aside Television and radio stations covering the event ‘LIVE’ who had access to the chamber and gallery, other journalists were not allowed.
Media organisations affected by the restriction are The Guardian, Vanguard, TVC News, Punch, News Central, The Nation, ITV, Naijablitznews among others.