By Goodluck Ikiebe.
As the World marks Press Freedom day, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, has raised concerns about press freedom violations and emphasized the need for Stakeholders’ collaboration to safeguard press freedom.
IPC in a statement by its Communication Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade, described the annual global event as a day to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics as well as to support journalists and other media professionals, who are often the targets of attacks on press freedom.
It, however, said:” It is worrisome that IPC has monitored and documented not less than 40 incidents of press freedom attacks on 49 journalists in 2021 alone.
“Since 2020, the organisation has identified over 100 journalists and other media professionals who have been victims of surveillance, spying, harassment, threats, violence, assaults, battery, unlawful arrests, jailing, robberies, kidnappings, and suspected murder.
“IPC further notes that these acts were committed by State Governments and their agencies, Department of State Services (DSS), Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Police Officers, State Police Commands, Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Unknown gunmen, Hoodlums, Private Organisations, etc.
“Taking into account the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day: “Journalism Under Digital Siege,” the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, remarked that the prevalence of press freedom infractions in the Country indicates that there is now an urgent need for media stakeholders to jointly identify and develop sustainable solutions.
“These include; raising the standard of safety of journalists and media freedom in Nigeria.
“The reality is that there is little or no justice or even compensation for the victims, while the perpetrators go scot-free, we must therefore all work together to fortify the safety of journalists and media professionals’ he said.”
Mr. Arogundade said in order to promote the conversation, IPC would, on May 11,launch two documentaries which would highlight IPC’s interviews with journalists and other media professionals, who were victims of brutal press freedom violations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown and the #ENDSARS protests”.
According to him, the public presentation of the documentaries will be followed by a round table discussion on protection for journalists during national crisis or emergencies.
Ayoad added that panellists and participants would include media practitioners, media organisations, media professional bodies and associations, press freedom organisations, media and digital rights organisations.
Other he further disclosed would include;security bodies, government representatives, lawyers, judiciary representatives, human rights activists and human rights organisations.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
