Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT chapter, Emmanuel Ogbeche, has stated the union’s resolve to pursue policies and programmes that would ensure the safety of journalists.
Speaking at the commemoration of international day to ‘End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists’ in Abuja, Thursday, the chairman lamented that journalists all over the world are maimed, jailed or killed.
“Today our job as media practitioners is endangered. That is why this event is important to us. For us at NUJ we will continue to pursue policies and programmes that engender the safety of journalists. Also, we will continue to hold government accountable.
“The constitutional guarantee of chapter 22 of the Nigeria Constitution will not be sacrificed,” he said.
He charged journalists to continue to give balanced and objective reports of government and individuals.
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, who was represented by Mr Lami Sow, noted that in the last 10 years, at least 800 journalists had been killed. Over 40 died in 2019 alone.
He noted that November 2 has been set aside as international day to ‘End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists’.
“The fight against impunity is central to freedom of expression, press freedom and access to information,” he said.
He said in 12 years, more than 1000 journalists have been murdered around the world.
