2.

Law of Sedition

Sedition is a critical area of mass communication law that addresses actions or speech aimed at inciting
rebellion against the government. This law is designed to maintain public order and protect national
security. Understanding sedition laws is crucial for journalists to ensure their reporting does not
unintentionally incite violence or unrest.

Sedition is the

communication of a message, which could incite people to be

restive, to riot or rebel against the government of the day. When

the publication or aired message is seen to be an intended to

encourage people to unlawfully oppose the government, it

becomes a seditious publication or broadcast. Consequently any publication that intends to mobilize the
masses to revolt against the President or State Governor or the

governments of the

federation or states is considered seditious.

In Nigeria, a handful of incidences have been considered seditious. First was the effective use of Radio
Nigeria Enugu (renamed Radio Biafra) by the warlord, Chief Emeka Odemegwu

Ojukwu, to mobilize people of the then Eastern Region in 1967

to rebel against the General Yakubu Gowon Federal military

government in a secessionist attempt. Next, is the reawakening

of this consciousness by Nnamdi Kanu, proprietor of an online Biafra Radio, who used the medium to
pursue the same cause,

can also be termed seditious. Several other offences fit into this

category of media law, but common to them all

is the fact that the said publications incite people to rebel against the government of the day.
Sedition is any statement vor representation which has the intention to stir up treason, defame the
person of the head of the state or Governor of a state or incite one section of the population a against
another (Okoye, 2007).

Sedition is a more serious offence than libel. It is a criminal offence against the state rather than the
individual. Thus, the law of sedition does not intend to stop or prevent people from

criticising the government. They should be free to criticize but

such criticism must not be done in a malignant manner. It should be a fair comment and not one made
with the intent to pull down a state or its government.

Examples of Sedition

Public Speech: A public figure makes a speech encouraging violent protests against government policies,
leading to riots.

Published Material: A magazine publishes an article advocating for the armed overthrow of the
government, which could incite readers to take violent actions.

Defenses Against Sedition Charges

There are several defenses that individuals, including journalists, can use if accused of sedition:

1. Lack of Intent: Proving that there was no intention to incite rebellion.

2. Freedom of Expression: Arguing that the speech or publication falls under the right to free expression
and does not pose a real threat.

3. Truth: Demonstrating that the statements made are factual and in the public interest, even if critical
of the government.

Application of Sedition Law in Journalism

Sedition law is a crucial guideline for journalists, ensuring that their reporting does not incite violence or
rebellion against the government. Here’s how sedition law applies in journalism:
1. Responsible Reporting: Journalists must ensure their reports are factual and do not encourage
violence or illegal actions against the government.

2. Criticism of Government: Journalists have the right to criticize government actions and policies.
However, they must ensure their reports are based on facts and do not call for violent actions.

3. Publishing Sensitive Information: When publishing information that may be critical of the
government, journalists should focus on constructive criticism and avoid advocating for illegal actions.