SECTOR 1 an implicit recognition of the media’s watchdog role. However, the media have been unable to invoke the provision as a protective shield as it is contained in Chapter Two of the constitution, which is titled “Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy”. Provisions in this chapter are regarded as mere statements of objectives, which, according to provisions in Section 6(6) (c) of the same constitution, cannot be litigated upon in any court in Nigeria. Beyond the constitution, several other Acts, laws and legislatives instruments regulate freedom of expression and media operations. These instruments principally operationalise constitutional provisions and convey the spirit of the supreme law. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 3.2 (2008: 2.3; 2011: 3.5) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. Nigerians are outspoken by nature. In the age of talk shows, phone-in radio programs and social media, people easily find space to express their opinions, which often include harsh criticism of the Government and other powerful interests. As a general rule, “Nigerians like to be free and can say anything they want.” However, this is not always without consequence. There is a good supply of evidence of government officials, security forces and even private citizens harassing members of the public and journalists for the views they express. This comes in the form of threats and other psychological intimidation, or as physical assault. Citizens are comparatively freer to speak their minds than journalists. This might be for the simple reason that attacks on journalists often happen in the public domain and are relayed in media reporting. For example, a governor in Enugu AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2015 13