President Muhammadu Buhari has counselled journalists in Nigeria to be mindful of sponsored political publications that are capable of inciting hatred, division, violence and chaos in the polity.
In solidarity message to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day which comes up tomorrow, May 3, the President said: “with the elections in sight, I urge the media to be mindful of sponsored political news or publications capable of inciting hatred, division, violence, and chaos in the country, while also ensuring that the electoral umpire and other stakeholders play their roles in delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections to Nigerians.”
According to him, the free performance of media roles and responsibilities during the electoral process is as important as the sanctity and will of Nigerians, expressed through the ballot box.
Buhari asked the Nigerian Press to use World Press Freedom Day to reflect on the need to embrace the best professional standards and practices, especially in the build-up to the forthcoming general elections.
He congratulated the Nigerian media for continually playing their role in strengthening democracy, acknowledging the courage and determination of those who daily go the extra time, sometimes at great personal risks, to keep the society well informed.
President Buhari reiterated his government’s commitment to freedom of the press, pledging to continue ensuring the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the lawful performance of their professional duties.
He asked Nigerians to stay united in supporting media professionals who work hard to de-escalate violent conflict and promote peaceful societies without compromising the responsibility to report.
He called on the government information managers to ensure that the press and the general public have access to facts and figures of government information, without tears.
The President assured that in line with the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day: ”Journalism under digital siege,” government agencies under his watch will be encouraged to always stand against actions that are capable of limiting the preservation of the freedom of the Press guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said that the Federal Government is working hard to support media organizations in Nigeria through provision of better internet access to underserved communities, and achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030.
Buhari appreciated journalists, whose diligent work, he said, has helped to guarantee peace, stability, and progress in the country.
Meanwhile, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, has scheduled a one-day symposium to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day.
A statement by the IPI Secretary, Ahmed I. Shekarau, said that a former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Professor Tonnie Iredia will be the guest speaker at the symposium.
The statement said that Professor Iredia, who is now a lecturer in Mass Communications Department of the Nasarawa State University will speak on: “What Journalists and Media in Nigeria Need to Do to Keep Safe, Retain Credibility and be Sustainable.”
The statement said that among those to discuss the former NTA DG’s presentation are the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Muhammad Sani Zorro; President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ladi Bala and the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The panel discussion, according to the statement, will be moderated by the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP, Azubuike Ishiekwene.
According to the statement, the event, which is scheduled to hold on May 6, 2022, at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Area 8, Garki, Abuja, will be graced by top media leaders, editors and reporters.
It also announced that provision has been made for remote participation by stakeholders who may not be at the venue of the event.
The Zoom link for virtual participation is as follows:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87905583791?pwd=dnpuV3NRM2RjdEd5QVhqV2E2cVEzdz09
Meeting ID: 879 0558 3791
Passcode: qV94NB
The statement said that IPI Nigeria will be hosting the World Press Freedom Day symposium in collaboration with the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
IPI Nigeria is an affiliate of IPI, with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, which is a global network of media executives, editors and leading journalists, established in 1950, to crusade for media freedom in every corner of the world.
Members of the body are totally committed to credible and independent journalism, media freedom, freedom of speech and the free flow of news and information.
