The Media and human rights specialists on May 3rd, has noted that there are existing laws and constitutional provisions that guaranteed media freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
They stated that their challenges had always been the political will to enforce the available laws in guaranteeing freedom of expression as stated in the constitution.
The specialist made the submission while speaking during the PUNCH Media Foundation event to celebrate World Freedom Day 2023.
World Press Freedom Day tend to address issues related to freedom of the press by state and non-state actors and it started on May 3, 1993.
Additionally, the PUNCH Media Foundation event has ‘Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Nigeria’s Democratic Speace: Barriers and Way Forward’ as its theme.
The following are Speakers at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, and the Chief Executive Officer of Women Radio 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya.
Other speakers include the Deputy Director of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Kolawole Oluwadare and Editor-in-Chief, Cross River Watch, Agba Jalingo etc.
The Chief Executive Officer of Women Radio 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, advised journalists and media stakeholders to do their work diligently. Adding that in doing their work efficiently journalists will be respected and supported.
“When people see that you do your job, you will be respected and supported,” she added.
Also, Agba Jalingo, the Editor-in-Chief, Cross River Watch, urged journalists to bond together in rejecting any obstacles militating against the freedom of press and freedom of expression in Nigerian’s democratic space.
Agba urge Journalist and Media professional to exploit their ink in demanding what is right and ensure it’s being accomplished.
“We (journalists) have our biros, the only other thing is to bond together. Society does not back us up. We need to bond together. We have opened our flanks and allowed them to come after us.
He also spoke about the safety of journalists adding that media owners and stakeholders must take their employees’ welfare seriously.
Conclusively, the SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged journalists and rights defenders to continue to demand the implementation of relevant laws protecting press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
