The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reiterated its commitment to continue to uphold the protection of press freedom in Nigeria.
The commission gave the assurance in a message by its Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, to commemorate 2024 World Press Freedom Day.
The message signed by Obinna Nwakonye, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of NHRC, said Ojukwu premised his assurance on the provisions of the National Human Rights Commission’s Act 1995 (as amended), wherein the Commission is mandated to deal with all matters relating to the promotion and protection of human rights guaranteed by all the Constitution of Nigeria and human rights legal instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
Ojukwu highlighted the crucial role played by journalists in birthing and defending democracy, projecting government’s policies, providing critical information that benefits the masses and even holding the government accountable to its responsibilities.
While noting that journalists in Nigeria face numerous challenges ranging from intimidations, unlawful arrests, attacks and even deaths, Ojukwu said such unfortunate incidents undermine the journalists ability to carry out their work effectively.
According to him, the 2024 theme for World Press Freedom Day “A Press for the Planet: Journalists in the face of the environmental Crisis” was apt as it seeks to drive the fact that journalists and the media work tirelessly for the survival of the earth and where the earth is on environmental crisis, journalists also face environmental crisis and must see how they can contribute to resolving the environmental crisis in which they work.
“I wish to use the opportunity of this important day to call on all stakeholders to join hands with the Commission in the fight to protect and promote press freedom in Nigeria” Ojukwu stated.
The World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually every May 3rd.
