The need to be deliberate about achieving journalists safety has been emphasized. Panelists and participants stressed this at an event organized by the National Association of Seadogs in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists ,FCT chapter in Abuja to commemorate the world Press Freedom Day.
Speaking at the event, the chairman FCT NUJ council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche lamented the challenges faced by journalists in the execution of their jobs. According to him 500 cases of harassment and 14 deaths 2ith no prosecutors is not a good record.
He called on the incoming administration to take a critical look at some of the laws that will ensure freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Nigeria.
On the part,the NAS represented by the PRO Barrister Charles Ndukwe called for concrete steps to be taken to ensure the safety of journalists.
According to him, as an organization that advocates for the rights of journalists,the National Association of Seadogs finds it worrisome that Nigeria is ranked 123 out of 180 countries in the 2023 world press freedom ranking”.
He further said *the collaboration with NUJ as an umbrella body for journalists to commemorate the day is in recognition of the sacrifices and contribution of media professionals to the country”
Barrister Ndukwe commended journalists for continuing to play their role in informing the public despite the intimidation and threat to life.
The event featured a panel discussion on the theme of this year’s celebration which is ‘Shaping a future of rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights ‘.
A panelist Mrs Evelyn Onyilo former president of the national association of women journalists, NAWOJ called on the NUJ to push for the establishment of a board to take care of journalists safety while Barrister Ndukwe Charles urged the NUJ to form an alliance with the Nigerian Bar Association to represent journalists interests in court when necessary.
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