In line with the celebration of World Press Freedom Day, as declared by United Nations Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today the Niger State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, has stressed the need for incoming political leaders to see media as the most potent tool for robust development.
State Chairman of NUJ Comrade Abu Nmodu said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Minna which was signed by the Council Secretary Usman Chiji.
According to Comrade Abu Nmodu this day as a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluates press freedom around the world, defends the media from attacks on their independence, and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession, is not only apt and appropriate but timely fot every media practitioner around the globe.
He however said Niger state council is reviewing issues of media freedom and access to information in the state for a proper agenda to be set for the incoming administration.
The State chairman of NUJ also described the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day, set by UNESCO, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights”, as not only apt and appropriate but timely because we in Nigeria and Niger state, in particular, are in the transition period.
Comrade Abu Nmodu posited that freedom of press implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state; and its preservation has been guaranteed by Section 39(1) of the nineteen ninety nine constitution as amended.
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He suggested that incoming leaders should be well-schooled on the important roles of the press as a vehicle to mobilize for development instead of the enemy as always branded by politicians still carrying over the mentality of long military rule in Nigeria where “power is always right”
” Our leaders coming must listen to opposing voices, review media positions and set appropriate agenda for development, Journalists must be allowed to discharge their constitutional duties for good governance and better development,” Comrade Abu Nmodu said.
He urged all working Journalists not to be discouraged by the hazard of the profession or outright opposition against them in the line of duty but to remain resolute to defend the right of the people.
The Chairman paid tribute to all journalists who lost their lives in the course of their duty in the past year as well as those who were brutalize.