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Tag: WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

  • World Press Freedom Day: No compromise on Press Freedom, FG assures media

    World Press Freedom Day: No compromise on Press Freedom, FG assures media

    • Reps to review laws restricting press freedom

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris yesterday gave assurance that the Federal Government will not compromise press freedom.

    He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will guarantee unfettered access to journalists and provide enabling environment for the media.

    Idris said no single journalist has been incarcerated under the Tinubu administration for practising responsible journalism.

    He said the media is largely free in Nigeria.

    He, however, said spreading falsehood and misinformation is irresponsible journalism and cannot be equated with press freedom.

    The Minister spoke in Abuja at a press briefing organised by his ministry in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO), to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day.

    He briefed alongside the Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe; Head UNESCO Office Abuja, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo.

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    He said: “I have not seen somebody in the life of this administration for example, who has been put in jail or who has gone into exile as a result of press freedom.

    “We knew what has happened in this country in the past. Some decades ago, we know that you have to leave this country to be able to report. I can tell you that the press in Nigeria is largely free but that freedom will further be consolidated if honesty and transparency are upheld in the manner that we report,” he said.

    He said as President Tinubu strives to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment, the media must present a positive and accurate portrayal of the country to the international community.

    While speaking on this year’s theme of World Press Freedom Day, ”A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis,” Idris said the world is confronted by an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude, one that poses a threat not only to the planet but to the very future of humanity.

    He said climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion are not abstract concepts but harsh realities that demand immediate and decisive action toward public mobilization and sensitization.

    “It is our conviction, that Press freedom is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability. Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face.”

    Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has said it was working to engage the media in reviewing laws and practices that restrict press freedom and the ability of the media to carry out their constitutional role effectively.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi disclosed in his message to celebrate the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.

    According to him, the House acknowledges the Nigerian media as one of the most vibrant institutions in the country.

    The statement reads “the Nigeria House of Representatives joins the global community of journalists and media practitioners in commemorating this year’s World Press Freedom Day.

    “Commemorated on May 3 annually, the observance of Press Freedom Day highlights the importance of a free media for healthy democracies, and provides an opportunity to celebrate journalists as agents of public good.

    “In this light, we celebrate and honour the work of every journalist and media practitioner across our country as they exercise their duty of upholding the fundamental objectives contained in the constitution, as well as, upholding the responsibility and accountability of government to the people.

    “The theme of this day which says ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis’ alludes to the critical role that journalists play in creating necessary awareness at a time the world is battling some of the worst impacts of climate change.

    “Our country, Nigeria, is not excluded from this fight, since it is now ranked as one of the most vulnerable to climate change. This is reflected in the numerous issues we encounter, including flooding, drought, food insecurity, erosion, harsh weather, and even conflicts caused by resource shortages and struggle.

    “Millions of Nigerians turn to the media for answers and explanations in the face of these terrible and ever-changing circumstances. Hence, the media needs to accept responsibility and rewrite the story to make the main reason for these problems clear to the public.”

  • ‘Do not use terrorism to stifle journalists’

    In celebration of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2017, a civil rights advocate has urged governments not to use terrorism to stifle journalists.

    Dr Courtney Radsch, Director, Committee to Protect Journalists, said this at a panel discussion organised by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The theme is “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies’’.

    She said that journalists in war torn and terror stricken countries were usually accused of terrorism, a ploy by the government to clamp them down.

    According to her, 259 journalists have been imprisoned in 2016, while 48 killed across the world for doing their jobs.

    She said that corruption, terrorism and political stories were the major issues journalists were killed for, adding that Turkey accounted for one third of journalists that were imprisoned in 2016.

    Radsch said that government response to terrorism across the world was not sufficient, thereby putting journalists in the cross hairs of the fight against terrorism.

    She also said that imprisonment and lack of government support for journalists were major causes of the decline in press freedom.

    On fake news being propagated in some quarters, she said it was untrue as that was an attempt at undermining freedom of the press.

    She said that if fake news was given precedence, it would render original news unauthentic and make people lose confidence in the press.

    She, however, said that to give the industry its pride of place, it had to be made relevant and respected by governments all over the world.

    Co-panelist, Richard Lui of National Broadcasting Company (NBC), America, said that journalists should be more concerned about getting the facts right, rather than breaking the story.

    He says that they should not report what they think to be the truth when in actual fact it is not.

    He also advised that journalists should protect themselves and be prepared for any eventuality in the course of performing their duties.

    World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991.

    It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom.

     

  • Global Amnesty Watch felicitates with the Nigerian media on World Press Day

    ‎
    ‎Today marks the World Press Freedom Day set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness on the importance of the freedom of the press and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 declaration of human rights.

    This year’s theme, ‘Critical minds for critical times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful. Just and inclusive societies,’ could not have been more apt given the challenges facing the media in the drive towards nation building.
    As the day is marked in Nigeria, ‎the Global Amnesty Watch, ‎ a non governmental organisations for the protection of human rights and the dignity of man, wishes to felicitate with the  Nigerian press on the occasion of the world press day.‎
    The Nigerian press has come a long way to attain  the level of sophistication and acceptability  it has recorded today and deserves commendation for weathering the storm through very difficult and trying moments in our nation’s history.
    Indeed it can be said without fear of contradiction that the democracy Nigeria is enjoying today is largely due to the sweat, doggedness and perseverance of the Nigerian media.
    The Nigerian media can therefore not afford to fail the citizenry but must strive towards maintaining it’s integrity by exposing all acts that tend towards eroding the gains of nationhood. ‎
    The birth of the social media which has added fresh dimensions to the concept of news dissemination  and it’s integration as a news genre ‎should also  be handled with utmost care and maturity to allow a wider reach of ideas and issues that would foster the development of the country.
    ‎

    Signed:
    Mrs Helen Adesola, Country Rep.‎
    Global Amnesty Watch.‎

  • Senate reaffirms commitment to upholding media rights

    Senate reaffirms commitment to upholding media rights

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, reaffirmed Senate’s commitment toward upholding the rights of the media.

    Saraki gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on the event of World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.

    “As we all know, today is World Press Freedom Day, a day that gives all of us, both members and non-members of the press, an opportunity to reflect and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights of the media.

    “This is because, time and time again, as demonstrated throughout history, the power of the pen has been proven to be more potent than the power of the sword.

    “The stories that you tell, the articles that you write, the videos that you edit and release on your various platforms, have the power to shape public perception,” he said.

    According to him, the media, especially here in Nigeria, have played a crucial role as the watchdog at various points of the country’s momentous history.

    Saraki said that the media must evolve beyond carrying ordinary propaganda and sensational news to sell newspapers and increase viewership to pushing out truthful, verifiable and pertinent information to the public.

    All of you here have the power to shape all that happens here, by pushing relevant issues, not stories of who is insulting who or what Senator A said about Senator B.

    “You have the opportunity to define the discourse in the public arena, and by so doing, positively define our agenda.

    “I urge you all to look beyond the propaganda that is being sponsored to put down the Senate and judge us based on facts and figures about our genuine performance.

    “These facts and figures are readily available, therefore, judge us by our actions. You participate indirectly in our daily plenary, committee and oversight sessions.

    “You are a constant feature around here. So, please let the public know and understand that this Senate is working for them, and it is people-centred.

    “This is why we continue to pass motion after motion to call attention to critical national issues.

    “We have passed critical laws that will make a positive impact on the standard of living and rate of development in our country,” he said.

    This year’s theme for Press Freedom Day is “Media’s Role in Advancing a Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Society’’.

  • +Infographic: African journalists not safe on social media – Report

    +Infographic: African journalists not safe on social media – Report

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    On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2017, it has been discovered that Journalists in Nigeria often suffer harassments of different sorts but mostly political, a report has said.

    The report noted that Social media offers journalists new ways to engage with their audiences, but also opens up new avenues for harassment, including trolling, threats and sexual harassment. This is as a result of a survey on African journalists’ use of social media.

    Initial results of the survey carried out by frayintermedia, released for 2017 World Media Freedom Day, indicated that almost half of African journalists had been harassed on social media.

    frayintermedia conducted the online survey on African journalists’ experiences of social media and recorded 307 responses from journalists across 36 countries. The study found that journalists from almost all countries regularly engaged on social media platforms, and 95% did so for professional purposes. The overwhelming majority (89%) of journalists were required to be on social media as part of their job. Two-thirds who used social media had both personal and professional accounts, but many of these used a corporate account.

    Of all journalists, 48% had been harassed on social media. More Zimbabwean journalists had suffered harassment (67%) than those in other countries, while fewer from the Democratic Republic of Congo had (this is not surprising given the low rate of internet access).  Although slightly more men had been harassed on social media, both sexes were likely to experience trolling, but more women had been sexually harassed and more men threatened.

    In measuring Social Media harassment, it is important to note that Country contexts differ, but it seems that a significant proportion of journalists (29%), believed that there were political motives behind the harassment.

    Cameroonian journalists were often harassed and in 88% of cases felt that it was based on the political environment in the country. Nigerian and Mozambican journalists also often believed the harassment was political.

    “On World Press Freedom Day, we remember the challenges that journalists face in reporting the news.  Social media, which offers new avenues to share media, also means more ways they can be trolled, threatened, and sexually harassed. Social media may not be a place for free engagement with audiences but serve to silence journalists,” frayintermedia summed.

  • As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day

    As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day

    Every human being has the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This creed is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence of the United States. However, today, we recognize and celebrate a group of professionals who have in a lot of ways made these rights to freedom accessible to all and sundry – The Press!

    In marking the World Press Freedom Day with theme: “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies”, we see that it is about celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluating press freedom around the world, defending the media from attacks on their independence, paying tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in exercise of the profession, informing the citizens of violations of press freedom, encouraging and developing initiatives in favour of press freedom worldwide, and to serve as a reminder of press ethics.

    We live in an era of the 3-Cs: rapid Change, overwhelming Complexity, and tremendous Competition. Therefore, there is a fierce urgency to continually churn out qualitative and objective information with respect to economic, social, political, and cultural expressions of the country.

    The responsibility to enlighten the polity rests (uneasily) on the shoulders of the press. Therefore, the ease and freedom (without the colourations and interference of the government) with which the press is able to express and communicate information should be given top priority.

    According to Sabine Rückert, deputy editor-in-chief at German weekly ‘DIE ZEIT’: “Our democracy hinges on FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. The balance between freedom and responsibility in a society can be seen from its press laws. Well-researched and intelligently interpreted information is as important as clean water for a society. Or to put it the other way around: a society that does not permit free, independent media with the best interests of that society at heart poisons itself – through misinformation and propaganda.”

    Section 22 of the Nigeria 1999 constitution, which gives power to the press states: “The press, radio, television and other agencies of mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives and accountability of the government”.

    The press is in turn expected to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

    In other words, the press performs a nation building role (development Journalism) as well as being a watch dog of government actions, or activities pertaining to governance, transparency, and accountability.

    The media, being the fourth estate of the arm of government has got plenty to do in making sure that good governance is enhanced and upheld in the country. However, the government and the media are inseparable; both cannot be isolated from each other because they are both important institutions for change and development in the super structure of the society.

    The media has an overwhelming support of the society, especially when it pertains to representing its interests and checkmating the activities of the government.

    Therefore, in a situation where the government gets intoxicated by virtue of their position and power, the society expects the media to put them back on the right track because of the truism – “absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

    Taking a vivid look at the section 22 of the 1999 constitution, the media is empowered at all times to be free to uphold the fundamental principles of governance. Therefore, any form of harassment, intimidation, or coarsing of its members is tantamount to criminality, bestial, and barbaric tendencies.

    The keyword here is ‘at all times’; that is, freedom to pursue, seek, gather, analyse, interpret, and disseminate information pertaining to the governance of the general populace without constant interference by the government.

     

  • May 3rd: World press freedom day

    May 3rd: World press freedom day

    By Praise Olowe

    “World Press Freedom Day is one of the most inspiring moments on the global calendar. It is a moment to shine light on the right to access and share information. It is a moment to stand with all journalists, to defend their safety….. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO”

    Freedom of the press as defined by numerous renowned scholars in the field of journalism is said to be the right to circulate opinions without censorship by the government. Press freedom globally was at its lowest ebb in 2015 in 12 years as various power factions struggle to silence the media in their proactive quest for power.

    Each year, in marking the World Press Freedom Day with theme: “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies”, we recognise that it is a day which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom to evaluate press freedom around the world. This is done to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

    Over 100 national celebrations take place each year to commemorate this day. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) leads the worldwide celebration by identifying the global thematic and organizing the main event in different parts of world every year.

    The international day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the 26th Session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

    Press Freedom in the world dates to the Stamp Act of 1765 where most printers in the colonies treated newspapers as any ordinary printing job, like books, pamphlets, and posters. Information included in these newspapers were mostly reprints of other publications, stories of local interest, literature, advertisements, and opinions. The introduction of the Stamp Act made the printers became publishers.

    The American Revolution produced many historic newspapermen. Their strong feelings in support of independence and revolution were poured into their writings, spurring public interest and education on the issue. This was the beginning of the press’ role with the government, developing the press freedom that would later be set in the Constitution.

    After the American Revolution, newspapers took a more critical stance with the newly formed government. Newspapers reported the financial difficulties created by the worthless American currency and argued against new stamp taxes. When the states began to meet to discuss the formation of a new central government, the Constitution’s “Founding Fathers” kept their deliberations secret. There was no public access, freedom of information, open meetings, or “right to know” guarantees then.

    Although the Constitution contained a clause for freedom of the press in the Bill of Rights, the government originally set many controls on the press and quieted the opinions of most early journalists. Later, the First Amendment was put on the back burner when the federal government muzzled the press using the Sedition Act of 1798, which made any speech or writings against the U.S. government unlawful.

    The focus of American journalism soon began to center on the new capital, Washington D.C., in 1810. Joseph Gales and William Seaton, publishers of the National Intelligence, brought objective reports of congressional debates and other governmental events to the public’s attention. Politics began to play more of a role in reporting as the 19th century progressed. Slavery, presidential elections, the suffrage movement, temperance, free education and foreign policy (i.e. the Monroe Doctrine of 1823) were news.

    Newspapers, which could now be produced rapidly and more cheaply, were becoming the catalyst to social change by bringing information on many national issues to the masses. Throughout the mid- to late-1800s, newspapers also became more focused on sensationalism. Stories about love, tragedy, crime and entertainment found their way into newspaper in order to increase circulation. With Horace Greeley’s 1835 statement that the future was in the west in a New Yorker article, more newspapers spread throughout the west.

    The Libyan media experienced a dramatic opening after the fall of Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi and were caught between rival governments in Tripoli and Tobruk in 2015. Many cases are becoming little more than mouthpieces for whichever government or affiliated militia can control their region. In Yemen, civil conflict similarly increased media polarization as outlets fell into line with either the exiled government or the Houthi rebels, and independent writers and journalists were marginalized or persecuted. Extremist groups opposed to both sides also took their toll.

    So far, Syria remained the deadliest place in the world for journalists in 2015. This is a corroborated fact from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). No fewer than 14 were killed in the country and three Syrian journalists who had sought safety abroad were assassinated in Turkey by the notorious Islamists group, ISIS. The notorious sect, has proven adept at bypassing formal news outlets and using social media to spread its propaganda around the world aside the continuous onslaught against journalists.

  • WPFD2016: Buhari promises Press freedom

    WPFD2016: Buhari promises Press freedom

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that his administration is committed to defending the freedom of the press and the freedom of information in Nigeria.

    The President made this known in a social media post while joining the world to mark the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2016.

    The posts read in part: “Under President Buhari’s administration, the Nigerian press – Africa’s most vibrant – will continue to enjoy the space to thrive.”

    It will be recalled that every year on May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

    The international day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the 26th Session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

    The UNESCO and the Government of Finland co-host the World Press Freedom Day’s main event and the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize Ceremony in 2016 which will take place in Helsinki, Finland, from 2-4 May 2016.

    Recall that 250 years ago the world’s first Freedom of information (FOI) law allowed for accountability & gave citizens the right to express themselves.

    The WPFD2016, which started on Monday, May 2 and scheduled to end on Wednesday, May 4th, is organized under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinistö.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”#WPFD2015″ count=”4″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link” header_background=”#c9812e”]

  • WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2013: How safe are Journalists?

    WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2013: How safe are Journalists?

    World Press Freedom Day is annually observed on May 3 to inform the international community that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights. This day reminds people that many journalists brave death or face jail to bring daily news to the public. It helps to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

    World Press Freedom Day is a global observance and not a public holiday.

    World Press Freedom Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993 as an outgrowth of the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press. This seminar took place in Namibia in 1991 and led to the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media.

    The Windhoek Declaration adopted on May 3, 1993 called to establish, maintain and foster an independent, pluralistic and free press. It emphasized the importance of a free press for developing and maintaining democracy in a nation, and for economic development.

    It has its root from the United Nations’ Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights that states that everyone “has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

    World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebrates its 20th anniversary today with the theme: Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media.

    WPFD 2013 focuses in particular on the issues of safety of journalists, combating impunity for crimes against freedom of expression, and securing a free and open Internet as the precondition for safety online.

    This focus builds upon principles set out in the Medellin Declaration on “Securing the Safety of Journalists and Combating Impunity” which was adopted by the participants of the WPFD held in Colombia in 2007. The Medellin Declaration urges States to comply with the commitments of Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 1997 to combat impunity of crimes against journalists and to comply with Resolution 1738, adopted the year before by the United Nations Security Council, regarding the status of journalists during war. It further calls on news associations to promote actions that secure the safety of journalists.

    These developments coincide with the growing awareness that ensuring freedom of expression must also necessarily extend to safety online.

    Why should a free press even be up for discussion? Are we failing to get the message across?

    The simple answer is that the press equals power, and wherever power lies there are those who seek to control or influence it. By nature, a free press is untamed; capable of speaking unfiltered to public opinion, it has always been a vital conduit for free expression.

    It has therefore been a constant target.

    As we increasingly embrace our digital citizenship, the tyrants who oppose free speech are quickly learning how to act as digital oppressors. Targets are more numerous, attacks more complicated and diverse. Our awareness and vigilance must adjust with similar voracity.

    Impunity for the killers of journalists extends also to those who murder bloggers. Censorship does not discriminate between editorial platforms. Prisons are built for those who “offend”, regardless of media.

    Securing the safety of journalists continues to be a challenge due to an upward trend in the killings of journalists, media workers, and social media producers. In 2012 alone, UNESCO’s Director-General condemned the killings of 121 journalists, almost double the annual figures of 2011 and 2010. In addition, there continues to be widespread harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrest and online attacks on journalists in many parts of the world. To compound the problem, the rate of impunity for crimes against journalists, media workers and social media producers remains extremely high.

    Sadly, Nigeria today joined the list of countries where journalists are routinely murdered and assaulted without any convictions for their attackers.

    Amid militant sect activity in the north and politically inspired violence across the country, at least five journalists have been murdered due to their work since 2009. None of the cases have been solved. Many more have been attacked.

    The Committee for the Protection of Journalists timed the release of its 2013 Impunity Index for World Press Freedom Day, today, as journalists around the world remember reporters, cameramen, researchers and editors who have been killed, injured, imprisoned or harassed for their work.

    It is the first time Nigeria has been in the Impunity Index, following a decade or so of relative safety for the media. Many of the attacks are made on those covering the Muslim extremist group Boko Haram. Mr. Enenche Akogwu of Channels Television was shot and killed last year by Boko Haram members when he was interviewing witnesses of a terror attack in the city of Kano. No charges are thought to have been brought despite the incident being in front of a crowd.

    In 2012, The Leadership Newspapers photojournalist, Mr Benedict Uwalaka was battered during his work by a Director of TOS Funeral Homes (undertakers), Bayo Ogunsola, and his accomplice. In October 2011, policemen raided the offices of The Nation newspaper in Abuja and Lagos and detained six of its employees. In 2008, operatives of the State Security Service shut down the Channels TV in Lagos over a report the station sourced from the News Agency of Nigeria.

    The worst years for journalists in Nigeria were during the military regimes. The founding Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, Dele Giwa, was killed via a letter bomb in October 1986 during the dictatorship of Ibrahim Babangida. A senior correspondent of TheNews magazine in Kaduna, Bagauda Kaltho, was also killed during the dictatorship of Sani Abacha. Some other Nigerian journalists who have been brutally murdered are Bayo Ohu of The Guardian and Godwin Agbroko of ThisDay. Two Nigerian journalists, Krees Imodibie and Tayo Awotusin, went to cover the Liberian war. They were brutally killed by Charles Taylor and his murderous gang.

    The painful aspect of these killings is that the perpetrators act with impunity. Today, the killers of Dele Giwa are still walking the streets free. Nobody has been duly convicted or punished. The same thing goes for the killers of Bagauda Kaltho. Up until now, nobody has been brought to justice for that barbarity.

    In a statement in Lagos, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE regretted that successive administrations in Nigeria had treated the media with suspicion, instead of regarding it as an ally in national development.

    The statement by the President of the guild, Mr Femi Adesina, noted that Nigeria’s robust and vibrant media had a history of commitment to noble causes, and played key roles in the struggle for independence, democratic rule, social justice and human rights.

    “Today, the media is still in the vanguard of upholding all that is noble, just, fair and would rebound to the progress of the nation. We urge the government to resist anything that might bear the slightest semblance to a curtailment of the freedom of the press. The media parades professionals, who are passionate and committed to the growth and development of the country on all fronts, and they do not deserve to be hounded, repressed or harassed. If there are inadvertent infractions of the rules, we expect nothing but the strictest form of conformity to due process and the rule of law in addressing such. The line between press freedom and repression is quite thin, and eternal vigilance is needed at all times,”

    Our right to seek, receive or impart information through any media may be enshrined in international human rights law, yet the media must fight daily to remain a bulwark against intrusions on free speech. As a check on power, an independent press acts as society’s window through which the abuses, digressions, untruths and self-interests of the powerful are revealed for public scrutiny.

    According to corrupt governments, violent criminals, and fundamentalists of every description, this window would be better permanently bricked-up.

    Wherever you live, whatever you do, pause for a moment and reflect on what kind of a society would be in front of you, were it not for the presence of an inquisitive media.

    Who makes decisions on your behalf, and just how transparent is the process?

    Above all, with a sense of solemn reflection, 3 May is an occasion to remember colleagues targeted for their work, especially those killed in the line of duty.

    That ‘duty’ was not simply to bring us the news. Their work – by nature risky, sometimes dangerous, yet always outspoken – went beyond the headlines that became unintentional obituaries. Their work signifies a belief in a principle, exhorted by democracy and made tangible with every article, picture or broadcast.

    It is that principle behind which we stand proud. It is upon that principle that our industry is founded, and that journalism thrives.