The International Press Institute in Nigeria has urged the incoming administration to commit to creating a better operational environment for journalists and media organisations.
The group made the call in a press statement signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, in commemoration of the 2023 World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday.
Mojeed noted that cases of arrests, threats, destruction of equipment and general harassment of journalists remained rampant, calling on the incoming government to “embrace a new attitude.”
“On the occasion of today’s commemoration of the 2023 World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian National Committee of the Vienna-based International Press Institute is asking the new government that will be inaugurated in Nigeria on May 29 to commit to creating a better operating environment for journalists and media organisations.
“There are still a number of oppressive and media-unfriendly laws, such as those on criminal defamation and cybercrime, that need to be amended. The government should also begin widespread sensitisation of its security operatives, who must understand that journalists and the media are key elements of democracy,” the IPI said.
Similarly, in commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission lauded Nigerian journalists for their critical role in advocating the realisation and enjoyment of democracy in the country.
In a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department of the commission, Agharese Arase, through its Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC said society should see journalists as “agents of change, bearing in mind the various contributions and sacrifices they make daily to ensure the emancipation and liberation of the common man who had needlessly suffered deprivations, discrimination and other forms of human rights violations in the society.”
Also, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, charged media practitioners to continue to uphold the ethics of their profession by promoting the ideals of democracy, justice, accountability, peace and unity.
In a statement by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Misilli, the governor said, “Journalists must always guard against fake news and misinformation as well as ensure accurate and balanced reportage of events and activities.”
