By Emeka Nwokocha
A reputable human rights group and unrivalled defender of people’s rights, Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative, has joined the global community in commemorating the 2024 World Press Day, saying, “It’s a special day to recognize the huge sacrifice Nigerian journalists and their counterparts across the world have continuously made to protect the sactitity of democracy and human rights across board.
The group passionately called on the Nigerian government and institutions of government to show commitment to defending press freedom and protecting the rights and safety of journalists across the country.
Continuing, the human rights group noted that the media space in Nigeria has been inaundated with scary developments that tend to undermine the fundamental rights of journalists for simply carrying out their statutory duties as clearly spelt out in section 22 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended).
The group called on the civil society community to show more courage in defending the rights of journalist by speaking up against any action or policies of government, including actions of non state actors that jeopardize the rights and safety of Nigerian journalists in recent times.
They added that muzzling the voice of journalists portends grave danger to the Nigerian polity, adding that suppressing the vibrancy of the press would truncate the country’s hard earned democracy.
Speaking further, the human rights group said, “This year’s theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” underscores the indispensable role of journalists in tackling environmental challenges and fostering sustainability in all spheres of development.”
The human rights group added, “It’s an indisputable fact that Nigerian journalists play a vital and commendable role as watchdogs of society and fearlessly hold the government to account, while exposing many wrongs against the state such as wide spread corruption and heinous crimes, and bravely step up the voices of the underprivileged and vulnerable Nigerians.”
The group further noted, “Despite the numerous challenges journalists encounter in the course of their onerous work, including attacks, intimidation and ceaseless threats, they have shown unbendable commitment to demonstrate core professionalism, unrival courage, rare determination and daring resilience in the pursuit of untainted truth and unfettered justice.”
They reiterated, “As we commemorate this memorable day, we strongly advocate for the defense of press freedom and protection of the fundamental rights of Nigerian journalists to enable them carry out their duties without fear and harassment,” adding that, “Press freedom is unquestionably vital for the smooth operation of our democracy and protection of fundamental human rights of the Nigerian citizens.”
They called on the civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders to strongly support journalists’ safety and wellbeing, especially those reporting on sensitive beats, and also provide legal support to journalists facing threats or attacks across the country.
The rights group added, “Any society that abhors and hinders press freedom is strongly clamouring for a calamitous end.”
