The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Monday declared that the survival of Nigeria as a political entity will depend to a large extent on getting it right in 2023 national elections.
The Union further stressed that it will be foolhardy to ignore the precarious situation of the media industry in the country presently.
This was as it charged journalists and the media on the need to address the rising incidences of fake news and hate speeches that are affecting the industry negatively.
These were contained in a statement by the National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, as part of the Union’s New Year message to Journalists in Nigeria, saying that it has become desirous that Journalists work more towards educating people and explaining the status of fake news and hate speech to discourage citizens from growing more politically cynical.
Isiguzo noted that addressing such cynicisms ahead of the 2023 national elections in the country will improve democratic participation of the citizenry.
While noting the difficult times the media went through in the previous year with very unpalatable consequences that include the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the global economy and put so much pressure on the Media Industry, the NIJ National President said that it is germane to urge the media to assist in addressing the observed shortcomings through media literacy interventions to help the less exposed citizens in various aspects of human endeavours.
He said; “We have witnessed copious volumes of falsehood and distortions about COVID-19 vaccines which have costs so much lives all over the World, and unfortunately these have found their way into traditional media outlets that should ideally be sources of credible news.
“We equally hope to see a better understanding by the various Governments at the State and Federal levels towards the media specifically as it relates to providing the necessary assistance to ameliorate the difficulties that the media industry had gone through in the past couple of years.
“Another area of concern is the issue of welfare of media professionals. We believe and insist that enhancing the emoluments and other entitlements of persons who work in the media will have positive impact on our democracy.
“It will be reckless to assume that not doing so is not important and can be wished away in the usual clumsy manner,” Isiguzo said.
While reiterating the Union’s commitment towards improving the fortunes of the Media Industry and Media Professionals in the New Year, it appealed to the States and Federal Governments to work closely with the NUJ in ensuring the safety and security of Journalists especially now that we are getting set for the 2023 General elections.
The NUJ wishes Journalists in particular and Nigerians in general, Happy New Year and rewarding 2022 with hope that the year will bring forth good tidings for Media professionals and the Media industry.
