Press Freedom Day: NHRC advocates respect for journalists’ rights
NAN-H-93
Press
By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, May 2, 2017 (NAN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says Nigerian journalists must be respected as they discharge their constitutional duties.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mrs Oti Ovrawah made the call on Tuesday in Abuja.
A statement issued by Fatimah Mohammad, Head, Media Relations Unit of the Commission, said Ovrawah was speaking on the eve of the 2017 World Press Freedom Day.
Ovrawah noted that the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media Role in Advancing Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Society’’ was apt, given the current economic and security situation in Nigeria.
She noted that security and economic challenges had put more pressure on journalists to hold government accountable to the people.
The acting executive secretary urged the authorities not to hound journalists who may criticise them if they reneged in their responsibility of protecting the rights of the citizens.
She, however, emphasised the need for the journalists to exercise utmost sense of ethical responsibility and political literacy in their reportage.
According to her, this will help in addressing recurring mass violence and conflict in the country, adding that independent, objective and neutral media can help diffuse tension, promote dialogue and curtail conflicts.
She further noted that the role of investigative journalism could not be overemphasized as it had a crucial role to play in uncovering economic and political corruption in the country.
She advised journalists to always maintain a high level of professional standard to be seen and recognised as development agents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UN General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day.
This is to raise awareness on the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. (NAN)
WS/YAZ
Edited by Yusuf Zango