The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has raised alarm that democratic processes in Nigeria, are in danger of being undermined by unscrupulous politicians and the prevalence of false, hateful and divisive information that create fear, ignorance and uncertainty within the public at large.
President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, who stated the position of the Union while observing World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), said that while the Constitutional right of freedom of speech and association remains inviolable, political actors should tone down their utterances in whatever form, by making comments that are issues-based and within the limits of the rules of the game.
This was as the NUJ President stressed that the global information crisis in which journalism is being overwhelmed by the narrow self-interests of political and corporate centres of power is being felt strongly in Nigeria where hate-speech, fake news and abusive exploitation of information technology are endangering pluralism and democracy.
These were contained in a statement by Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman, National Secretary of the NUJ in which he quoted Isiguzo as saying that the crisis of propaganda, requires a practical and comprehensive response in order to put ethics, self-regulation and good governance at the heart of journalism in the Country.
Isiguzo noted that governance is about people thus, the guiding principle should be self-preservation, stressing that politics is for the living and not for the dead.
The NUJ President therefore charged Journalists as the watchdog of the society and members of the “fourth estate of the realm” to strive more to stem the trend, encourage freedom of speech as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution as well as uphold the fundamental objectives contained in chapter II of the Constitution.
Isiguzo further said; “They should always strive to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.
“The future of democratic pluralism and the defence of all human rights are dependent on the right of all citizens to receive reliable and useful information”.
Commenting on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2023 (WPFD) with the theme: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, Isiguzo emphasied that ethical journalism remains the key provider of the information democracy needs to survive, adding that it signified the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights.
Isiguzo particularly condemned all forms of violence against journalists in the Country and deliberate attempts to bribe and corrupt the process of journalism with a view to manipulate the media for propaganda.
He further said; “We once again call on all journalists, in spite of these threats, to redouble their efforts and live up to the values and standards of the profession. We also appeal to all journalists and media owners to build professional solidarity and to work together to promote ethics and good governance to confront the looming dangers”, he said.
Isiguzo also reiterated the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution which emphasises that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, adding that the provision is also amplified by Amnesty International, stating; “Your voice matters”.
“You have the right to say what you think, share information and demand a better world. You also have the right to agree or disagree with those in power, and to express these opinions in peaceful protests.
“Exercising these rights – without fear or unlawful interference – is central to living in an open and fair society; one in which people can access justice and enjoy their human rights”.
The NUJ said that the Federal and State Governments must be seen to be upholding and encouraging these even as he frowned at the continued threats to Journalists and the Journalism profession, stressing that such attacks, constitute a threat to Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression.
He quickly added that the developments are a constant reminder that new threats for the media continue to manifest in various forms adding that these feed into the sense of impunity and encourage further violence against the media.
While regretting that such acts of impunity are being ignored by Government officials who do not want any criticism of the Government they serve under, Isiguzo stated that the Freedom of Expression cannot be tempered with if Nigeria is to make any meaningful progress as a democratic nation.
