Ojukwu Canvases For Protection Of Journalists In Nigeria

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has canvassed for safety and protection of Journalists to enhance their efficiency in execution of their work in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN made this case Tuesday while declaring open a two-day capacity building training tagged “Defending the rights of Journalists and media practitioners through national safety mechanisms” for the staff of corporate affairs and external linkages and Journalists. The event was organized by the NHRC.

He expressed hope that the training would present another opportunity for the media practitioners and experts in the field of Mass Communication to rub minds on the hazards of journalism profession and how to navigate through them, and still come out stronger as the mirror of the society.

According to Ojukwu, “It cannot be gainsaid that safety of journalists has been a growing concern in the country and elsewhere in the world, given that some journalists operate under difficult conditions, where freedom of expression and the press is relegated to the background. In such climes, the issue of censorship, harassment, unlawful arrest and detention and assassination are not uncommon.

“Despite relevant constitutional guarantees and legislations, there are situations in the country where freedom of expression and the press, as well as journalists’ safety are violated and trampled upon for no just cause.

“The culprits in such circumstances could be state or non-state actors, or individuals who are not comfortable with the outcomes of certain investigative journalism, usually carried out by the press in line with their mandate of holding the government, and by extension, public officers accountable to the people.”

The Executive Secretary however, assured that as the Commission is saddled with the responsibility of protecting the rights of citizens, including journalists, it will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure that human rights are adequately protected at all times.

He maintained that capacity building training is very crucial because journalists who are the agents ‘of change and promoters of good governance should be exposed to capacity building training to enable them to understand safety mechanisms which they need to survive in any situation and pragmatically discharge their duties effectively

He frowned at cases where some Nigerian Joumalists have lost
their lives in the line of duty owing to alleged excesses of some unscrupulous state actors and in some other cases by non-state actors who may be pursuing some selfish interest.

He applauded the Commission’s robust partnership with Media Houses, noting that this has assisted in keeping the public abreast with its programmes and activities.

The training program include issues pertaining to conflict reporting and hazards of journalism, the new media and challenges of freedom of expression, communication and safety rules for journalists, among others.