By Michael Oche
A civil society group under the auspices of Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), on Thursday joined the call for a more conducive environment, devoid of intimidation and harassment for journalists in Nigeria.
The call was made at a joint press briefing between the CTA and the University of Calabar, Theatre Arts Alumni Association (UCTAA) Abuja Chapter, to mark the 2023 World Press Freedom Day.
Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi in her address lamented that the press in Nigeria is not yet where it should be in terms of some level of harassment and intimidation they suffered from government officials.
Nwadishi while commending the important role of journalists in national development noted that “if you have a press that is gagged, you will not be able to project the voices of the voiceless and vulnerable in the society.”
She made reference to attacks suffered by journalists within the lifespan of this administration, while also pointing out the fines awarded to some broadcast outfits over interviews anchored by their presenters.
Nwadishi said:” the press cannot be said to be free when there are still some level of harassment or intimidation, recently we saw where some stations were fined for conducting interviews in their station.
“We therefore call on all well- meaning Nigerians to join us in standing up for the press and protecting them from undue interference.
”We are here to not only commemorate the World Press Freedom Day but to celebrate the resilient and indefatigable Nigerian press and journalists who have kept the flag flying high amid stifling environment and circumstances.
“We truly celebrate your doggedness. UNESCO has rightly noted that freedom of expression is a driver for all other human rights.
“The press must be allowed to fulfill its roles as a watchdog for society, educate and inform citizens and generate public opinion without fear of harassment, violence, or undue pressure from the government or other actors.
She, however, expressed concern over Nigeria’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index which she said had fallen further to 123 out of 180 countries in 2023.
The CTA Boss said that this reinforces the urgent need to address the challenges facing the press and protect their rights to operate freely without fear of intimidation or harassment.
“As we mark World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to upholding the fundamental right to freedom of expression and ensuring that journalists can carry out their critical work without undue interference or censorship.
“The press is a vital component of any democratic society and we must work together to protect and promote press freedom.
”Let us challenge ourselves to weather the storm and ensure a society where the press can lead the way by discharging their duties without fear or hindrance. A free press is critical to any democratic society and we must do all we can to protect and promote it,” Nwadishi said.
Meanwhile Coordinator of the Alumni, Mr MacDonald Ekemezie, said that the association was established to serve as a rallying point for former school mates who otherwise had graduated and engaged in different endeavors.
He said that as state artistes, co-creators in the press world “we are also communicators and therefore, it is important we join our voices to reinforce the voice to say that the press should be free.”
He noted that a lot should be done to promote press freedom because the Nigerian constitution recognises the right for freedom of speech.
He said, “A lot of our members are practicing journalists so whatever affects the core media also affects us. We say no to molestation, harassment and intimidation of journalists.”
