The National Human Rights Commission NHRC says, Nigerian Journalists can play critical role in promoting Reconciliation, Reintegration and Transitional Justice in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East bedeviled by insurgency and counter insurgency to ensure peace building in various communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu stated this in Yola, Adamawa state North-East Nigeria, during the opening ceremony of a training programme for Media Practitioners on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in three States of the zone, namely Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
He noted that Chapter 2 of the1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) recognizes the role of media in national discussion.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Project Coordinator, Mr. Hilary Ogbonna recalled that journalists were earlier engaged in Media Advocacy and Messaging last year, adding that the job is not over since the media still have more work to do in telling the affected communities and victims that they are not abandoned.
The Human Rights boss in Nigeria said, it has become necessary to engage journalists to promote the whole idea of Reconciliation, Reintegration and Transitional Justice in such a manner that the offended communities and victims could begin to see the rational for forgiveness and apologies, from the victims and repentant Boko Haram combatant respectively.
This will bring an end to the cycle of violence and enable the society to have peace and move forward.
He said: “Media remains an essential partner in promoting reconciliation and transitional justice in the North East, no effort should be spared in building the capacity of media professionals to embrace and perform this role effectively.
“The Pilot Project was to initiate community-led process for nonjudicial transitional justice and reconciliation as a foundation for reintegration and post conflict recovery in the North East,“ Ojukwu added.
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