Seadogs confraternity has charged Akwa Ibom governor-elect Pastor Umo Eno to uphold press freedom by protecting the right of Journalists as well as media practitioners as pillars for the sustenance of democracy.
In a statement issued by the Eket chapter of seadogs under the aegis of Atlantic Shore Deck signed by Cap’n Utibe Ikot to mark 2023 World Press Freedom Day noted that the Day was set aside to evaluate press freedom locally and globally.
“The World Press Freedom Day is commemorated globally, on 3rd May of every year, and was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 1993. The Day provides an opportunity to celebrate press freedom and to evaluate the state of press freedom, globally and locally.
“They highlight the importance of protecting the independence of the media and the rights of journalists to report without fear of intimidation, censorship, or violence.”
Ikot said that the Association is committed to the entrenchment of a just and egalitarian society where human dignity is upheld irrespective of tribe, religion or Creed.
He, therefore, reminded the incoming administration in Akwa Ibom State of the need to respect their commitment and uphold their obligation to press freedom; and also provide an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to practice their chosen profession without fear of intimidation, threats, blackmail, and outright imprisonment.
“This is imperative because the press provides the platform for a multiplicity of voices to be heard. At both the national, and state level, it is the public’s watchdog, activist, and guardian as well as educator, entertainer, and contemporary chronicler.
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“Press freedom is an essential pillar to any democracy, especially that of an emerging democracy like Nigeria’s. ”
He charged Journalists to maintain their role as a watchdog and a check on government, society and business as the media must remain vigilant and committed to the truth which requires a commitment to rigorous fact-checking, independent reporting, and a willingness to challenge the powerful.
“Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that is essential to the functioning of a democratic society and the maintenance of other human rights.
“As the eyes and ears of the public, journalists must be able to report upon matters of public interest without fear of arrest or other forms of interference.”
He observed that press freedom, though enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, seems continually elusive.
Ikot listed factors that hinder press freedom as obnoxious legislation such as the Cybercrime Act, secrecy, legal pressure, monetary inducement by politicians and other interested parties and fake news from unscrupulous partisan media outlets.
Others include intimidation and blackmail by state and non-state actors, direct censorship by the National Broadcasting Commission and other regulatory bodies, violence and incarceration, among others.
He stated that the Nigerian media lack statutory institutional back-up to support practitioners and journalists in the dispensation of their duties as the ‘Fourth Estate of the Realm’, and grant them access to information, and insulate them from threats of intimidation.
“Therefore, to further strengthen press freedom and consequently, free speech, there is a crucial need for increased public awareness of the nexus between press freedom and other human rights, including the promotion of transparency, accountability, and democracy.” he said
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