Yemisi Izuora
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has reminded the government that journalists under the law should be given protection in the discharge of their professional obligations.
The Union made the demand as it joined millions of stakeholders across the world in observing November 2, as International Day to End Impunity against Journalists.
In observing this day, it is pertinent to note that acts of violence against journalists and media equipment are not only a crime, but also serious threats to press freedom and by implication to democracy the NUJ said in a statement.
According to the statement, the NUJ like other sister unions and associations within the International Federation of Journalists is committed to paying particular attention to the safety of all Journalists in the country, and respect for freedom of expression and press freedom which are of paramount importance to assuring freedom of the press, freedom of expression and democratic governance.
“As the World observes this day, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to be conscious of the fact that as professionals whose responsibility is to monitor governance and hold Government accountable to the masses, and to educate and enlighten society, Journalists should as a group be given adequate protection in the discharge of their duties.
“The NUJ affirms the fact that this freedom includes the right to seek and receive information from all available sources to enable formulation of proper opinions to whomsoever one desires and to do so through whichever means it is feasible to communicate without any let or hindrance.
“We stress our commitment to the objectives and principles enshrined in the ABUJA DECLARATION of November 12, 2007, when the Federation of African Journalists was inaugurated, especially as it relates to coordinating “actions to improve the safety and security of journalists and work with international agencies and other stakeholders to confront impunity and build a culture of safety in journalism.”
“The NUJ believes that protecting journalists is very important because of the risks they face daily in the course of their duties. Many are targeted for doing what is legitimate and protecting them is a humanitarian concern as well as a professional concern,” the statement signed by Shuaibu Usman Leman, national secretary, NUJ, said.