THAT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION MAY THRIVE
Media ReleaseOn the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2023 (WPFD) with the theme: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, signifying the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights, the NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, MFR has raised alarm that democratic processes in Nigeria, are in danger of being undermined by unscrupulous politicians and the prevalence of false, hateful and divisive information that create fear, ignorance and uncertainty within the public at large.
Comrade Chris Isiguzo who said this at the NUJ National Secretariat Abuja while observing the WPFD 2023 notes that while the Constitutional right of freedom of speech and association remains inviolable, political actors should tone down their utterances in whatever form, by making comments that are issues-based and within the limits of the rules of the game. Governance, he argues is about people and thus the guiding principle should be self-preservation as politics is for the living and not for the dead.
He charges Journalists as the watchdog of the society and the “fourth estate of the realm” to strive more to stem the trend, encourage freedom of speech as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, and uphold the fundamental objectives contained in chapter II of the Constitution. They should always strive to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people, he stresses.
The NUJ President laments that the global information crisis in which journalism is being overwhelmed by the narrow self-interests of political and corporate centers of power is being felt strongly in Nigeria where hate speech, fake news, and abusive exploitation of information technology are endangering pluralism and democracy and that this crisis of propaganda, requires a practical and comprehensive response which puts ethics, self-regulation, and good governance at the heart of journalism in the Country.
“The future of democratic pluralism and the defense of all human rights are dependent on the right of all citizens to receive reliable and useful information. We believe that ethical journalism is the key provider of the information democracy needs to survive”, Comrade Isiguzo contends while condemning all forms of violence against journalists in the Country and attempting to bribe and corrupt the process of journalism and to manipulate media for propaganda.
“We once again call on all journalists, despite these threats, to redouble their efforts and live up to the values and standards of the profession. We also appeal to all journalists and media owners to build professional solidarity and to work together to promote ethics and good governance to confront the looming dangers”, he asserts.
He reiterates the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution which emphasizes that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, a provision which is also amplified by Amnesty International, that, “Your voice matters. You have the right to say what you think, share information, and demand a better world. You also have the right to agree or disagree with those in power, and to express these opinions in peaceful protests.
” Exercising these rights – without fear or unlawful interference – is central to living in an open and fair society; one in which people can access justice and enjoy their human rights”. The Federal Government of Nigeria and all State Governments must be seen to be upholding and encouraging these, the President urges.
The President who frowns at the continued threats to Journalists and the Journalism profession, says that such attacks, constitute a threat to Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression and are a constant reminder that new threats for the media continue to manifest in various forms and these feed into the sense of impunity and encourage further violence against the media.
While regretting that such acts of impunity are being ignored by Government officials who do not want any criticism of the Government they serve under, Comrade Isiguzo states that the Freedom of Expression cannot be tempered if Nigeria is to make any meaningful progress as a democratic nation.
Shuaibu Usman Leman
Walin Shadalafiya
National Secretary
