By Abdallah el-Kurebe, Editor
#TrackNigeria: The acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy, Mr. Aruna Amirthanayagam has said that free press is essential for peace, justice and human rights.
A statement by the Senior Information Specialist of the Embassy, Sani Mohammed made available to Newsdiaryonline Sunday said the acting Deputy Chief stated this at a reception for journalists on Friday in commemoration of 2019 World Press Freedom Day.
Read the full comment of the acting Deputy Chief of Mission below:
On every May 3rd, the United States of America joins other free nations in commemorating World Press Freedom Day. The United States and Nigeria both believe in democratic governance, a core value of which is a free and vibrant press.
The cornerstone of democracy is the access to accurate information. How else can citizens hold their leaders accountable and ensure effective institutions. A free press is essential for peace, justice, and human rights.
Unfortunately, though technology has transformed the ways in which the world shares information, it is sometimes used to mislead the public, or to fuel violent hatred. Across the planet spaces for civic discourse space have been dwindling.
Anti-media rhetoric on the rise. According to UNESCO, almost 100 journalists were killed in 2018. Hundreds are imprisoned. Those journalists must be acknowledged because when the media is targeted, societies pay the price.
On this May 3rd, I am pleased to welcome you here to confirm the commitment of the United States to press freedom and to affirm and defend the rights of journalists as they support the building of a better world.
In his address, the Acting Country Public Affairs Officer (ACPAO), Glenn Guimond stated that without a free and vibrant press, a nation cannot fully develop itself as a strong democracy.
Read his full statement:
As part of our World Press Freedom Day events it is a pleasure to welcome you to a global webchat, and a panel discussion. We are joined today by journalists at American spaces in Kano, Bauchi, Jos, Calabar and Ibadan.
On the 26th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, our focus is on the media’s essential role in supporting elections and democracy in the face of disinformation, declining trust in media, and the intimidation of, and violence against, journalists.
As Nigeria has just witnessed its 6th uninterrupted general elections since the return to democracy in 1999, our topic “Reporting for Democracy: The Role of a Free Press in Elections,” is an apt one.
In a democracy, the press operates freely from government control. Democratic governments don’t regulate media content or the activities of journalists. Democracies don’t require journalists be vetted by the state or force them to parrot government positions.
In return, news media must provide people with the accurate, verified, and factual information they need to wisely choose their leaders, to develop their voice, and to maintain their freedom.
The media is a powerful influence on how elections are run in a country, and how it is perceived from the outside. Without a free and vibrant press, a nation cannot fully develop itself as a strong democracy.
During the panel discussion, this gathering will have the opportunity to examine the role of the Nigerian press in the 2019 elections. For this, I want to thank the panelists who will share their experience and address your questions.
