The Centre, in marking the
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, called for
justice for attacked journalists in Nigeria, through investigations. The centre
also called for diligent prosecution of the perpetrators.
Director of the Centre, Mr. Lanre
Arogundade, advised Nigerian journalists to take safety more seriously.
He noted that the slain journalists
are Famous Giobaro of Bayelsa State-owned radio station, Glory FM 97.1,
who was shot dead on April 16, and Lawrence Okojie of the Nigerian
Television Authority (NTA), Benin, who was shot dead while returning from
work on July 8.
Arogundade noted that it was
unfortunate that Nigeria continues to rank high among countries, where press
freedom and freedom of expressions are under threat. He stated that available
database, showed that less than 14 incidents of assault, threat, battery,
arrest, kidnap, killing and invasion involving journalists and media
institutions occurred within the last one year.
His words: “We attached the highest
priority to the safety of journalists and other media actors. We oppose any
action, legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of
the press. Acts of intimidation and violence against journalists in Nigeria
have to end for democracy to survive. Attacks against media institutions and
journalists are attacks against democratic rights, including the right of the
public to know the truth about the way they are governed.”
He urged the police authorities to
make public disclosure on what has been done so far towards unraveling the
mystery behind killed journalists in Nigeria.
It will recalled that one Nsebiet
John of The Ink, in Akwa-Ibom State was detained for a night in police
cell, arraigned and granted bail in the sum of N250, 000. The premises of Premium
Times, Abuja, was invaded by armed police officers.
The Publisher of Premium Times,
Dapo Olorunyomi, and the Judiciary correspondent, Evelyn Okakwu, were both
arrested by armed police officers.
A Silverbird Television
reporter, Abuja, Amadin Uyi, was brutalized by police officers during the
protest by ‘Ourmumudondo group’ at Unity Fountain in Abuja. Also, Channels
Television reporter in Kogi, Segun Salami, was battered at the State House
detention centre by security personnel attached to Kogi State Government House.
Abia State NUJ secretariat was invaded by Nigerian soldiers of Operation Python
Dance during which some journalists were assaulted.
No comments:
Post a Comment