Lawyers in Lagos has urged journalists not to be deterred by recent happenings in the country in disseminating information.
The lawyers gave the advice in separate interviews on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day celebrations.
A lawyer and human rights activist, Bamidele Aturu, urged journalists not to feel threatened by occurrences that could infringe on their rights to a free press.
Aturu said in Ikeja that freedom of press could not be established without sacrifices from journalists.
He said it was sad that the right to a free press was not fully enforced in Nigeria, adding that many journalists had lost their lives for daring to speak the truth.
Also commenting, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, Adebamigbe Omole, said journalists should be appreciated as the press was an integral part of the nation.
According to Omole, journalists should not be harassed or intimidated but allowed to practise their profession.
However, others who commented on the Day, urged journalists to be discreet in disseminating information and not to take the laws into their hands because of the FOI Act.
They argued that press freedom was a pivot for any developing nation.
Biodun Adeoye, advised media practitioners to be cautious of the things they write and say, and guard against disseminating distorted and libellous information.
Freedom of the press does not guarantee a journalist the freedom to defame people's character. It does not also give you the rights to pry into someone's private affairs, Adeoye said.
Paul Okoliko, a lawyer, said the media was important in the administration of any government and so should be allowed to perform its function of a watchdog.
He said for any nation to succeed, there must exist, an informed press that would assist in disseminating information.
‘‘The press is a central part of the political system of any country and so cannot be dispensed with. However, that function must be carried out with due diligence’’ Okoliko said.
He, however, praised the Nigerian press which, he said, had fared well.
Kola Afolayan, another lawyer, said with the signing into law of the FOI bill, more privileges should be accorded the press to freely gather and distribute news without fear or favour.
Afolayan said the freedom of the press, guaranteed by the FOI law, must be exercised cautiously to avoid abuse.
He advised journalists to be diligent in the course of their duties and shun all forms of information that sought to disrupt public peace.
Emeka Anyiocha, a lawyer and journalist, said the provision of Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was meant to provide for the freedom of expression of every citizen.
He said journalists in Nigeria enjoy that freedom which formed the bedrock of their operations.
Anyiocha said the important thing was for that freedom of expression, as well as the freedom of information, to be utilised in a manner that would promote peace and unity.
He, therefore, urged journalists to be fair in their analysis of issues and always seek to foster unity in the country.
The theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day is: ``Media with the Power to Transform Societies.
Threat to journalists: NUJ to organise special prayers
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State chapter, will organise a special prayer session and fasting to seek divine intervention on the difficulties facing journalists in the country.
Abdullahi Yamadi, the chairman of the state chapter of the union, said this on Thursday in Katsina in his message to mark the 2012 World Press Freedom Day.
``The union is concerned with the difficulties journalists are facing in accessing information and the threat to their lives in the cause of carrying out their constitutional responsibility.’’
In its bid to strengthen the relationship between the press and the society, Yamadi said the union would offer humanitarian services to the people, including rehabilitation of graveyards, environmental sanitation and voluntary blood donation by its members.
He promised that the union would not relent in its effort to enhance the welfare of its members to boost their morale for effective service delivery.
The chairman urged journalists to``always focus attention'' on the issues affecting the socio-economic development of the country.
Legislator says NASS shares challenges of Journalists
The House of Representatives on Thursday said it would partner with the media for improved working environment.
``The union is concerned with the difficulties journalists are facing in accessing information and the threat to their lives in the cause of carrying out their constitutional responsibility.’’
In its bid to strengthen the relationship between the press and the society, Yamadi said the union would offer humanitarian services to the people, including rehabilitation of graveyards, environmental sanitation and voluntary blood donation by its members.
He promised that the union would not relent in its effort to enhance the welfare of its members to boost their morale for effective service delivery.
The chairman urged journalists to``always focus attention'' on the issues affecting the socio-economic development of the country.
Legislator says NASS shares challenges of Journalists
The House of Representatives on Thursday said it would partner with the media for improved working environment.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Rep. Zakari Mohammed (PDP-Kwara), to mark the 2012 World Press Freedom Day.
Mohammed, who is Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the house shared in the challenges facing the profession.
Mohammed, who is Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the house shared in the challenges facing the profession.
The House of Representatives, particularly notes with deep regrets, discomfiture and unsettling amazement, current attacks on the Nigerian media by terrorist. ’’
According to him, the house condemn in strongest terms, recent attacks and threats of further attack on the media by terrorist.
``It is worthy of note that freedom of speech is guaranteed by global legal instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
Mohammed said that the role of journalists was guaranteed in the constitution, adding that the constitution recognised the press as the ``Fourth Estate of the Realm’’.
He noted that any attack on the media was a direct affront and infringement on freedom of speech and a breach of the constitutionally provided roles of journalists.
``This is unacceptable and the House of Representatives as a responsible and responsive arm of government will not shy away from intervening through all legal means available to protect the rights of journalists and freedom of expression.
He urged the media to remain undeterred in the discharge of their duties and call on security agencies to secure lives and property of Nigerians, including journalists.
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