Senate President Bukola Saraki, has distanced himself from the malicious guidelines for journalists wishing to cover the National Assembly activities saying he knew nothing about it.
The Senate President said that he was never part of the decision that led to the new guidelines.
The management of the National Assembly on Monday issued new guidelines for the accreditation of journalists covering the parliament.
The stringent provisions allow television, independent producers and online media to present only one reporter for accreditation. Each of them could present another as cameraman or photographer.
Radio stations are allowed to have only one reporter.
They also set tough benchmarks on newspaper sales, internet audience, experience, tax clearance and others.
The press statement conveying the message was signed by Agada Emmanuel, Director of Information.
It stated the new rule would take effect from June 11.
The policy has drawn stern condemnation from Nigerians who see it as a way to gag the press.
Reacting through Olu Onemola, his Special Assistant on new media, Saraki absolved himself and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara from the decision making that led to the guidelines.
He promised to investigate the new guidelines while stating his commitment to press freedom.
“The attention of the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has just been drawn to a story that is circulating on social media about the National Assembly issuing new guidelines to journalists.
