On the occasion of the 2019 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Journalists Against Poverty (JAP) in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria call for the safety of Journalists as they carry out their legitimate assignments anywhere in the country.
JAP, a network of Journalists drawn from Print, Broadcast and Online mediums having witnessed the outright assault, violent attacks, dehumanization, arbitrary arrest of several decent and respectable journalists such as Mojeed Alabi, Cletus Ukong, Amadin Uyi among others while in line of their duties in the recent times collectively condemn heinous crimes against the noble profession of journalism and demand an end to it.
While these heinous crimes and human rights violations against journalists are being condemned by the United Nations on this day, Nigeria must also in her might ensure that the safety of her Fourth Realm of the Estate is prioritised at all times.
According to Ene Obi, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, while speaking at a roundtable organized to commemorate this special occasion, “The critical role Journalists play in promoting social justice in our society cannot be overemphasised hence the need for their safety and protection to be prioritised by the authorities”
Wale Elekolusi, JAP, Coordinator said Journalists are the agents of change, who promote transparency and accountability in any sane society”.
“It is quite disheartening that media strangulation and attempts to silence the voice of the truth in Nigeria are not being perceived as major damaged to our society itself”,
“Journalists are now scared to perform in their duties due the threats and fear of being killed or incarcerated unjustly”
“Nigerian authorities have legally binding obligations to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to freedom of information, freedom of expression, media freedom and
personal liberty of everyone” he said.
Therefore, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate this special day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, today, 2nd November of every year we collectively urge the state actors and other constituted authorities in Nigeria to prioritise the protection and safety of every Journalist across the country so as to ensure fairness and equity in the polity.
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