As I pen down these thoughts, my heart is heavy with grief for the family of our late colleague, the community of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Channels Television. This tragedy is not solely about a bus crash in Bauchi; it reflects a deeply-rooted systemic failure regarding the safety, security, and welfare of journalists whenever government officials or politicians organize travels.
Recently, a bus transporting journalists on an official assignment in Bauchi State was involved in a serious accident that proved to be more than a mere road mishap; it serves as a haunting reminder of the ongoing neglect of journalist safety.
Reportedly, a vehicle arranged for the press covering the North-East Development Commission lost control and veered off the road, resulting in several severe injuries among journalists. While they were rushed to medical facilities, sadly, one journalist, Kani Ben of Channels Television, passed away at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
It is expected that government responses will flood with terms like “unfortunate incident” and “force majeure.” However, we must critically analyze when negligence shifts from an 'accident' to a pattern of systemic disregard.
Despite this enormous loss, our focus must extend beyond just one incident in Bauchi. This tragedy underscores the consistent sidelining of journalists’ safety during official trips, which is unacceptable.
Journalists are often dubbed the 'Invisible Risk Carriers of Democracy' as they are crucial to covering events like project commissions and political rallies. Yet, they often face disregard in logistical arrangements.
At times, they are crammed into outdated buses, assigned the oldest vehicles, and provided without proper safety briefings, medical support, or insurance. Conversely, top officials travel in bulletproof SUVs, with protection while the media remains vulnerable.
This raises stark questions about the value system in operation: “power is safeguarded while accountability is secondary.” In discussions regarding government trips, protocols concerning the security of dignitaries often overshadow inquiries into the safety of the journalists accompanying them:
\- Is the vehicle transporting journalists certified for safety?
\- Has it undergone necessary safety inspections?
\- Are there seat belts available for all?
\- Is there accident insurance for the group?
\- What emergency evacuation plans are in place?
When incidents occur, the habitual response is to classify them as unavoidable misfortunes. Nonetheless, roadworthiness, driver fatigue, speed limits, and adequate insurance are neither acts of chance nor divine intervention; they are aspects of responsibility and planning.
Labeling such events as “force majeure” conveniently shields the organizers from accountability.
I assert this is not merely an isolated tragedy but a structural failings of our system. This is not the first experience of journalists facing perilous conditions while on duty in Nigeria. Across the nation, journalists consistently deal with hazardous travel arrangements, and a lack of protective gear and health coverage.
Ironically, those covering conflict zones in the North-East work under extreme danger, yet even during ordinary assignments in stable areas, basic safety measures are often neglected.
This stark reality indicates that the profession meant to enlighten society operates under precarious conditions.
Given these circumstances, it becomes imperative for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to instigate reflection and propose essential questions:
1\. Does the NUJ offer a mandatory insurance scheme to protect its members during assignments?
2\. Is there a formal safety agreement with government entities before journalists are included in official convoys?
3\. Are there enforceable regulations mandating compliance by agencies when inviting accredited media to official trips?
Failure to affirmatively address these inquiries signals a desperate need for reforms.
Membership fees should translate into meaningful welfare protections for journalists, rather than solely covering press cards and meetings. Implementing a nationwide accident and life insurance scheme for accredited journalists has transitioned from an optional benefit to an ethical requirement.
Currently, there exists a troubling narrative that journalists are mere accessories to governance, and not fundamental to democracy. This perception engenders complacency about their welfare, which must change immediately.
Without journalists:
\- Government actions would go unexamined.
\- Public resources would be mismanaged without oversight.
\- The populace would remain uninformed.
\- Elections would lack transparency.
\- Policy discussions would go unchallenged.
The press serves a constitutional role, even if not always securely guaranteed in practice. The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 39, affirms freedom of expression and press rights, while Section 22 mandates the press to hold the government accountable. Thus, the press's foundational importance is not merely theoretical but enshrined in law and must be respected.
A society that relies on journalistic contributions must also support protections for their safety.
Moving forward, we cannot allow this incident to fade into mere condolences; it must catalyze significant change.
1\. Mandatory Insurance Coverage - All government bodies and officials enlisting journalists for assignments must guarantee verifiable group accident insurance covering death, disability, and emergency medical treatment for the trip duration.
2\. Union-Led National Insurance Scheme - The NUJ and other relevant organizations should implement a mandatory national insurance policy, sustained by structured contributions and partnerships.
3\. Safety Protocol Framework - A formalized 'Journalists’ Travel Safety Protocol' should be established, including:
\- Certification of vehicles for roadworthiness.
\- Compliance with seat-belt mandates.
\- Speed regulations for convoys.
\- Coordination of emergency response strategies.
\- Appointment of designated safety personnel for press teams.
No journalist should embark on an official trip lacking assurance of these minimum standards.
4\. Legal Accountability - When negligence, such as malfunctioning vehicles or reckless driving, is identified, responsible authorities must be held liable under civil law.
5\. Welfare Trust Fund - A permanent Journalists’ Welfare and Emergency Fund should be established to assist families of journalists who suffer fatal or incapacitating injuries.
The loss of a journalist is beyond a personal tragedy; it signifies a significant blow to democracy itself.
If we persist in viewing such events as mere misfortunes, we reinforce a system that values journalists in principle yet renders them expendable in practice.
The unfortunate event in Bauchi must be a pivotal moment prompting government bodies, media owners, unions, and journalists to recalibrate their priorities.
Beyond the statements, excuses, and terms like force majeure, there lies an undeniable truth: our lives matter!
Farewell, Kani Ben.
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