President Muhammadu Buhari has assured journalists of freedom of the press.
Speaking in a statement signed byMr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) on Thursday to mark Press Freedom Day,he advised them to adhere to the ethics of the profession to be more meaningful to the nation.
He said: “Without adherence to ethics, professions turn awry, and become part of national malaise, rather than solutions.’’
“Journalists must constantly recommit to the canons of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, balance, and other ideals that guide their profession.
On this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I urge you to rededicate yourselves to the role of being watchdogs of society, while being mindful of the cohesion and equilibrium of that same society.”
The President advised the press to be wary of people who want to use the press to emphasize fault lines of government.
The President noted that the theme of this year’s celebration,“Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation’’, was quite germane for Nigeria, having recently concluded general elections.
He called on the media to reflect on the deleterious effect of fake news, misinformation and disinformation before, during and after the polls.
President Buhari reiterated his administrations commitment to ensure that the media was not muzzled in any way, in the interest of democracy .
“Our administration is committed to the highest levels of transparency, and we will guarantee press freedom at all times.
“We only require that the freedom be used responsibly, and for lofty ideals of national unity and development,” the President asserts.
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