By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Nigeria’s Federal Government to be conscious of the fact that Journalists as Proffessionals should be given adequate protection in the discharge of their duties.
NUJ made this call as it joins millions of stake holders across the world in observing this year’s International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists.
A statement signed by the National Secretary of of NUJ ,Shuaibu Leman said, “In observing this day, it is pertinent to note that acts of violence against Journalists and media equipments are not only criminal,but also serious threats to press freedom and by implication to Democracy.
“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to be conscious of the fact that as proffessionals whose responsibilty 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.”
NUJ affirmed the fact that this freedom includes the right to seek and receive information from all available sources to enable formulation of proper opinion to whomsoever one desires and to do so through whichever means that is feasible to communicate without any let or hinderance.
The statement further said, “We stress our committment 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.”
According to the statement, NUJ believes that protecting Journalists is very important because of the risks they face daily in the course of their duties.And that many are targeted for doing what is legitimate and protecting them is a humanitarian as well a proffessional concern.
