WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY: Bauchi NUJ demands a threat-free environment for journalists
As the celebrations of the World Press Freedom Day continues, the Bauchi State Council of the NUJ has requested governments at all levels to provide a condusive and more secured environment for it’s members to operate.
The union, in a statement signed by its chairman and secretary Umar Sa’du and Isah Garba Gadau respectively, explains that Journalists as important ingredients for development of any society could not achieve the set target in the absence of a secured environment.
The union therefore called on governments, individuals especially politicians and security agencies to allow journalists carry out their responsibilities without any threat or intimidation.
According to the statement, the theme of this year’s Day which is “Journalism under Digital Siege” requires Media owners to pay attention to the welfare of journalists as the best way to encourage them perform optimally with a view to checking the excesses of the Social Media Platforms.
The NUJ Bauchi Council warned journalists to always practice the profession according to it’s ethics and should always be security conscious especially now that the 2023 general elections is around the corner.
The union expresses deep concern on the level of assaults, kidnappings, intimidations and other forms of threats to lives of its members nationwide, describing the situations as stumbling blocks to the performance of its constitutional rights.
The union therefore used the occasion to pray for the reposed of the souls of it’s departed members and pray for the safety of the living practitioners.
