Rivers journalists plead for protection, ask governments to factor media into democracy

Journalists in Rivers State have pleaded for protection in the face of deteriorating security situation in the oil region and wanton killings and abductions. A reporter’s car was recently upturned and burned during elections in the Ogoni area.

Many journalists were attacked during the campaigns with some losing their eyes, their equipment and their freedom. Many cameras were smashed at rallies as party officials often throw out journalists at assignments.

Using the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state said members of the pen profession were endangered, hence the need to protect them in the course of their practice. “Therefore, the NUJ strongly appeals to the civil populace not to attack journalists performing their lawful duties in any forum”.

The union led by Omoni Ayo-Tamuno and Soibi Max-Alalibo said the concept of freedom of expression might be absolute, while the freedom of the press may be relative, impunity and lawlessness could bring both to nothing if not checkmated.

The communiqué written by Tony Amadi’s team stated thus; “Journalists should master and apply the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act so as to hold public officers accountable for the growth of society. Seminars/workshops should be organized for media practitioners on the appropriate use of the FOI Act so that they can use the Act as a tool.”

It added: “Government should accord premium to the journalism profession bearing in mind the fact that among all diverse professions in Nigeria, Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Press, Radio, Television and other agencies of the mass media to, at all times, uphold the fundamental objectives, responsibility and accountability of government to the people. Government and the private sector should subscribe to Life/Accident Insurance Policy for journalists working in their organisations.”

The union was advised to always engage in extensive advocacy, pursuant to creating favourable legislations that border on welfare, security and statutory conditions in the society. “In order to meet the expectation of the society, the Press should carry out proper investigation by diligently and methodically searching for underlying currents that portend danger so that by providing timely warnings, public policy can be effectively mobilised to guarantee the well-being of the citizenry, bearing in mind that the Press is a trustee of the public”.

It said, “Government should institute a framework that will engender the immortalization of fallen heroes of the pen profession.

A guest lecturer, associate professor, Godwin B. Okon, from the university of Science and Technology, spoke on the topic: “Freedom, State and the Press: Emerging Parameters for Enhanced Professionalism, Security and Well-being of the Citizenry.”