The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has reaffirmed that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to public information are crucial to democracy and must be at the heart of the Nigerian government’s values and actions.
The professional body of editors and media executives in Nigeria also said it recognises the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free/ independent media in protecting the country’s democracy and advised them not to give up, in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.
In a press statement issued on Thursday to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day and signed by its President, Mr. Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Guild also requested the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists, who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits, which are regularly initiated to silence them.
This year, the World Press Freedom Day, is dedicated to emphasising the importance of good journalism amidst the current global environmental crisis.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, this day helps to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.
“In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
“Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalized voices; promoting transparency and accountability; fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions,” the editors added.
According to the editors, “The federal government will fundamentally be promoting the enabling environment for media to operate responsibly if it adopts a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them.
“The federal government should take a clue from the European Union and other democracies around the world, who have adopted similar laws to protect journalists and media houses against Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP suit).”
