The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called for more protection for journalists before, during and after elections.
The NGE said in a statement on the occasion of the 2019 World Press Freedom Day on Friday, that it noted that this year’s World Press Freedom Day with the theme: ‘Role of Media in Elections and Democracy’ provides an opportunity for stakeholders in the global democracy enterprise to re-examine the contributions of journalists to the propagation and sustenance of democracy.
The Guild specifically called on relevant authorities in Nigeria to begin to see journalists as partners in development and voice of the voiceless rather than treat them as meddlesome interlopers and enemies of the people.
Citing growing mortality among journalists, including denial of their fundamental right to life in the course of discharging their duties, the Guild appealed to Nigerian security agencies to ensure the safety of all journalists, especially during elections.
The NGE noted that the media has the capacity to support peace and reconciliation processes among political actors and should be allowed to play its constitutional role.
While noting that this year’s World Press Freedom Day also examines the safety of journalists, it added that ensuring the safety of journalists is the primary way by which societies can foster the independence and freedom of the press, as crucial for democracy.
This, the Guild said, would also ensure public access to information.
The Guild regretted that there is a clear and present threat to achieving that goal and cited global statistics to support its crusade for the protection of journalists.
“The International Federation of Journalists noted that in 2018 alone, at least 94 journalists were killed across the world. The 2018 figure indicates an increase from the previous year which recorded 82 fatalities,” the statement said.
The Guild echoed the concern of the United Nations, which had earlier noted that journalists were undergoing too much stress which is ultimately undermining their ability to report accurately without fear of attack.
“Today, the contribution of free, pluralistic, independent and safe journalism to democracy is under unprecedented stress. Also, election outcomes and their aftermath are critically affected by political discourse and communications, including the role of the media in relation to the polling process,” the statement quoted the United Nations as saying.
The Guild condemned modern day leaders, who do nothing except denounce the media as biased to the extent that factual information reported by the Press is now termed ‘fake news’ to the detriment of the journalism profession.
The World Press Freedom Day is observed every May 3 to celebrate fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom around the world and defend the media from attacks on their independence.
It also seeks to pay tribute to journalists, who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession globally, especially in conflict-plagued countries.
In Nigeria, the theme of this year’s celebration is “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”.
GIK/APA