By Gloria Ikibah
On Thursday, several accredited journalists covering the National Assembly were stopped 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.
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. 
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.
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 Naija Blitz News, The Guardian, Vanguard, TVC News, Punch, News Central, The Nation, ITV, among others.
