The International Press Institute (IPI) in Nigeria has called on the media to project credibility and balance in their reportage towards national development.
President of IPI in Nigeria, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed laid emphasis on credible reportage at the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
“IPI will always stand firm and will resist measures that threaten free press, freedom of speech and free flow of news.
“Nigerian journalists have been harassed, assaulted, incarcerated and sometimes killed.”
He noted the constitutional role guaranteed to the Nigerian press.
“The use of Internet trolls to humiliate Journalists, intense digital surveillance, hacking and blocking of websites
“We will reflect on some of the challenges facing the media.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Kelechukwu Ofie, said that the ministry would continue to provide the conducive atmosphere for the media to thrive in the country.
“It is in our tradition to continue to provide the enabling environment for media practitioners to strive in the country without hitches.
The Director General Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu said that without criticism there is no governance, stating that press freedom has enhanced Nigeria’s democracy.
“We run a Liberal state, anybody that challenges social media should be dispassionate: Ignore fake news; Pay attention to criticism of whatever government is not doing well.
“President Buhari’s government has done substantial advance in infrastructure social investment, we commend our government for giving the media freedom of expression in carrying out their duties.”
The Director General, Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria, Mr. Mansir Liman who was represented by Mr. Micheal oluwale says; “Once journalism is under siege, the entire country is under siege.
“And if journalists are under siege means that the aspect of our progression is under siege.”
The Institute urged all to reflect on the challenges confronting the practice of Journalism, economic pressure, harassment and incarceration by government and other people.
The IPI announced the opening of a book of infamy called “Black book” to document every individual whose action or inaction encourages harassment of journalists and the media in Nigeria.
The records of the harassment will be regularly updated and shared periodically with embassies and all relevant international and human right groups across the world.
Ime N
