May 03, (THEWILL) – The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck (Eket Chapter), has called on the Akwa Ibom State Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Eno, to uphold press freedom and protect the rights of journalists in the State as an essential condition for the sustenance of democracy.
The association made the call on Wednesday, in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day is commemorated globally on May 3 and was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 1993. It provides an opportunity to celebrate press freedom and evaluate the state of press freedom globally.
The theme of the 2023 World Press Freedom Day is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all Other Human Rights”, with previous themes aiming to raise awareness and encourage discussions about specific issues related to press freedom and the role of the media in society.
They, however, highlight the importance of protecting the independence of the media and the rights of journalists to report without fear of intimidation, censorship or violence.
NAS, which is committed to the entrenchment of a just and egalitarian society, where human dignity is upheld irrespective of tribe, religion, or creed, is reminding the incoming administration in Akwa Ibom State of the need to respect and uphold their obligation to press freedom.
“This is imperative because the press provides the platform for a multiplicity of voices to be heard. At both national, and state levels, it is the public’s watchdog, activist, and guardian as well as educator, entertainer, and contemporary chronicler. Press freedom is an essential pillar of any democracy, especially that of an emerging democracy like Nigeria’s.
“Hence, to maintain its role as a watchdog and a check on government, society and business, the media must remain vigilant and committed to the truth, which requires a commitment to rigorous fact-checking, independent reporting, and a willingness to challenge the powerful.
“Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that is essential to the functioning of a democratic society and the maintenance of other human rights.
“As the eyes and ears of the public, journalists must be able to report on matters of public interest without fear of arrest or other forms of interference.
“However, press freedom, even though enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, seems continually elusive, as it has been hindered by several factors ranging from obnoxious legislation such as the Cybercrime Act, secrecy, legal pressure, monetary inducement by politicians and other interested parties, fake news from unscrupulous partisan media outlets, intimidation and blackmail by state and non-state actors, direct censorship by the National Broadcasting Commission and other regulatory bodies, violence, incarceration, among others,” It stated.
The association position, which was contained in a press statement endorsed by the head of the Deck, Captain Utibe Ikot, identified the lack of statutory institutional backup for journalism and media practice as the ‘4th Estate of the Realm’ in Nigeria.
To further strengthen press freedom and free speech, it reasons that there is a crucial need for increased public awareness of the nexus between press freedom and other human rights, including the promotion of transparency, accountability, and democracy.
“The public also needs to be conscious of the imperatives of protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring that they can operate without fear of censorship, intimidation, or violence while holding the government continually accountable for their commitment to press freedom,” It stressed.
The statement salutes the doggedness and resilience of all conscientious journalists and media practitioners and pays a glowing tribute to journalists, who have sacrificed their comfort, safety, and even lives in the exercise of their profession, urging them to continue to do their utmost as the custodians of free speech, which is the foundation of all other human rights.
