As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day yesterday, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria called for stronger safeguards to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.
IPI Nigeria urged government institutions, civil society and the public to protect journalists from threats, harassment and censorship, while charging journalists to reaffirm their commitment to professional journalism.
In a statement jointly signed by the legal adviser of IPI Nigeria and chairman of the Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi and secretary of the committee, Ochiaka Ugwu, they called on the federal and state governments as well as their agencies to uphold press freedom by removing all obstacles to journalism practice in Nigeria.
“Specifically, we urge security agencies to refrain from using the Cybercrimes Act to intimidate and harass journalists. Instead, they should protect journalists and press freedom, as a thriving press is essential for a better society.
“We commend journalists who continue to work professionally despite threats and challenges. We also urge employers to provide fair remuneration, as unpaid salaries and poor pay threaten press freedom. May 3 every year marks a global celebration of press freedom principles, assessing media freedom worldwide and honouring journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” the statement added.
The institute said it remained committed to defending media freedom and supporting independent journalism wherever it is threatened.
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