Press Freedom Crucial To Democracy, Good Governance - NGE

Source: Leadership
Author: James Kwen

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has reaffirmed that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to public information are crucial to democracy and must be at the heart of the Nigerian government's values and actions.

The professional body of editors and media executives in Nigeria also acknowledged the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free/independent media in protecting the country's democracy and advised them not to give up in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.

The guild said this in a press statement signed by its president, Mr Eze Anaba and general secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, to mark this year's World Press Freedom Day.

It also urged the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits which are regularly initiated to silence them.

This year, the World Press Freedom Day, was dedicated to emphasising the importance of good journalism amidst the current global environmental crisis.

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, the day helps to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.

''In line with the theme of this year celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

''Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalized voices; promoting transparency and accountability; fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions,'' the editors added.

The NGE added that this year's World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity for every stakeholder in the media community to continue to drum it to the hearing of both state and non-state actors - about the importance of press freedom and the challenges being faced by journalists, including censorship, harassment, imprisonment and violence.