As the international community marks the World Press Freedom Day, the Bayelsa State Council of the
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for collective action from stakeholders to protect press freedom and democratic tenets.
In a press statement to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Bayelsa State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha commended the resilience of Nigerian journalists despite a very challenging media environment orchestrated at silencing the press.
Comrade Yemoleigha said press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy and called for the enactment of enabling laws that protect press greedom, as well as improved welfare and social safety nets for journalists.
“Society, government particularly, owes it a duty to institutionalize the safety of journalists and provide them with the required safety nets,” he said.
Related Articles:
- Delta NUJ appeals for financial support to save ailing Journalist
- NUJ issues 14-day ultimatum to Rivers Police Command after attack on journalists
- NUJ FCT Chair, Ike wins African Leadership Excellence Award
The Bayelsa State NUJ chairman also frowned at incidents of attack on journalists in the line of duty and called on event organizers in the state and beyond to guard against it.
“The NUJ will not hesitate to blacklist any organization or institution that fails to protect the rights of journalists during their events.
“While journalists have an obligation to gather information and report same to keep society informed and educated, the union will equally not allow its members to be exposed to harm and threat to their lives,” Yemoleigha said.
