WPFD: Stakeholders urged to uphold Press Freedom

As Journalists around the world commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day, (WPFD), stakeholders have been admonished to uphold and defend the rights of journalists to work freely without fear.

National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Dr Chris Isiguzo made the call in his message to mark the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.

According to him, press freedom is essential for democracy, accountability, and the protection of human rights.

“In Nigeria, journalists play a vital role as watchdogs of society, holding power to account, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable. Despite facing numerous challenges, including threats, intimidation, and attacks, journalists continue to demonstrate courage, resilience, and professionalism in the pursuit of truth and justice.” He said.

Also, the Plateau State Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo while addressing Journalists, under the bridge at the Plateau State Secretariat junction after a walk from the NUJ State Council Secretariat in Jos, called on government and the public to create a conducive environment for the journalists to perform their duties.

“We solicit for partnership and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, security agencies and Civil Society Organizations to support and protect journalists as they carry out their duties for the growth and development of society.” She appealed.

Speaking at the rally also in Jos, the Plateau State Coordinator of National Human Right Commission, Barrister Veronica Abe, said one of the thematic areas of the Commission is freedom of expression and the media, noting that the commission is very committed to that particular thematic area.

“This right to freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, which is contain in article 19 of the universal declaration of human rights which states that, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression without interference and to express, to seek, receive and to impact knowledge. This is also contain in chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” She said.

She added that without freedom of expression and the media, violation of human rights may be hidden, which may give rise to impunity and continuous violation. She called on journalists to improve on investigative reporting so as to uncover and expose corruption, injustice and societal problems.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Dr. Timothy Golu who is also a journalist, congratulated and appreciated all the sacrifices and efforts being deployed by the journalists in ensuring that the society is reflecting the way it is against all odds.

“I want to appreciate the fact that against all odds, the media has refused to be intimidated, has refused to be caged. If not for the media, the level of impunity would have been more than it is today, the level of corruption would have been more than it is today, the level of insanity would have been more than it is today.

“But because the media is there,… people are afraid of going beyond boundaries, people have been force to comply with the law, not because of the fear of the punishment but because of the fear of being exposed.

He sympathized with the journalists over the many ugly incidents that might have happened with them in the course of discharging their duties and encouraged them not to be deterred in serving the society.

This day is dedicated to celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom, defending the rights of journalists, and promoting the importance of a free and independent media in democratic societies.

The World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd to remind everyone of the challenges faced by journalists and the duties they perform to ensure that the dissemination of information remains smooth and true to its creed.

This year’s celebration with the theme, “A press for the Planet, Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis”
Is a call on journalists to inform and educate the people on the climate and environmental crises facing the society.