FG underscores imperativeness of free press to democracy

• HURIWA seeks journalist’s release as MRA, IPC chronicle attacks

MINISTER of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has linked the survival of democratic rule to a free press.

Addressing the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) in Abuja at the weekend, he expressed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to an unfettered media.

Calling on practitioners to adhere all time to extant rules and regulations, the minister stressed that it was incumbent on the professionals to check disinformation and fake news in the media space. “Whatever you say or do, you have to remember that you have a country to build, despite whichever side you belong. Purveyors of falsehood cannot be your friends. They are your enemies. You cannot say what is not right and claim that you are exercising freedom of expression. Your rights and other people’s rights should align,” he advised.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, pledged parliament’s readiness to review moribund media laws to suit modern realities and democratic ethos and principles.

Represented by the Chairman of the Committee on Media, Akin Rotimi, the Speaker said the 10th House recognises the integral place of a free and responsible press in the activities of government.

Abbas, who presented the keynote address, submitted that as a critical partner in the pursuit of good governance and national development, the lower legislative chamber remains steadfast in providing media organisations with the enabling environment to creditably discharge their duties.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on his part, urged journalists to execute their responsibilities without fear or favour, reminding them that everyone has a role to play in the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.

He applauded the role of the media in nation- building.

NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo, called on government at all levels to support the press to bring about good governance.

MEANWHILE, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria ( HURIWA) has called for the unconditional release of an investigative journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, and the prosecution of his abductors.