Security operatives stationed at the National Assembly complex in Abuja have blocked accredited journalists from accessing the chamber ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled address to a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The address, a highlight of this year’s Democracy Day celebrations, is scheduled to commence at noon. However, members of the press corps, many of whom had covered National Assembly proceedings for years, found themselves shut out despite carrying valid accreditation.

Uniformed personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other security outfits stood firm at entry points, informing reporters that only those with “special accreditation” would be granted access.

“This is highly irregular,” said one senior correspondent, visibly frustrated. “We’ve always had access with standard accreditation, but now we’re being told to watch from the media centre.”

It is understood that journalists from major outlets, including The Guardian, Punch, TVC News, The Nation, and Vanguard, have been denied entry.