By Rhoda Okoh and Vincess Okushi
In a recent report, by the International Press Council (IPC), a total of 66 attacks were meted on journalists in 2022, comparatively an increase of over 40 cases recorded in 2021
This record is attributed to the sudden disappearance of journalists who sometimes turn out later declared missing or dead.
Despite this continuous intimidation and manhunting by political office holders and security operatives, the media must not deterred from its constitutional role of holding the government accountable.
This formed part of the discussion at a one-day Training on Safety and Protection of Journalists and Workplace Compliance organized by LightRay Media with NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel as beneficiary on Wednesday 30th August 2023 in Abuja.
In her lecture, the Executive Director of LightRay Media. Ejiro Umukoro harped on the need for journalists to be ethically guided stressing that good reportage must meet the basic requirement of newsworthiness.
According to her, the ethical standard doesn’t align with brown envelopes which has posed threats to the profession.
Noting that the profession is now questionable due to disunity and appealed to journalists to ensure they protect one another and stage a workout where they perceive harassment.
On his part, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Jide Oyekunle said the training is aimed at enriching the knowledge and skills of journalists.
One of the key pillars of democracy is a free and vibrant press as a watchdog and mirror of society but the media space in the country is becoming more toxic, shrinking, and hostile thereby making it difficult for journalists to operate and carry out their statutory roles.
As the press continues to witness abuses and denial of freedom of speech despite their role in a democratic society, the NUJ leadership believes the safety of journalists is not negotiable, hence urging political leaders to provide a conducive atmosphere for her members to exercise their constitutional role
