By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Iziguso on Thursday, tasked all media organisations in the country to evolve effective insurance schemes for journalists in their employment
Chief Chris Isiguzo gave the task while observing the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists held at the NUJ National Secretariat, in Abuja.
The NUJ National President while lamenting that threats and physical violence against Journalists still occur regularly and are often carried out with impunity, condemned acts of repression against journalists who are denied the right to freedom of expression through censorships that continue to manifest in various forms,
According to the NUJ National President, there is the need for a halt to such acts of impunity and says that the Union will renew its efforts in the months ahead to tackle threats to journalists, campaign for improved working conditions and build a stronger voice for journalists in the Country.
Observing that election coverage is one of the most dangerous assignments for journalists in the country, Chief Isiguzo urging the authorities to allow all journalists who wish to cover elections to do so without obstruction or censorship
” We urge all media organisations in the country to evolve effective insurance schemes for journalists in their employment. We also want an end to the harassment of journalists for exercising the right to free expression and demand respect for their human rights – including their right to access to information – they should be allowed to do their jobs without fear of intimidation or arrest”, he said
Chief Isiguzo added, ” We note the difficult working environment in which journalists are currently operating, including poor wages and exploitative conditions. Nigerian journalists are yearning for better wages, more secure contracts and decent working conditions”, he explains.
“ Local and foreign journalists should be able to follow the events on the ground and keep the public informed about the democratic process, because Press freedom is central to any free and credible election”.
While condemning acts of repression against journalists who are denied the right to freedom of expression through censorships that continue to manifest in various forms, Chief Isiguzo called for a halt to such acts of impunity, saying the Union will renew its efforts in the months ahead to tackle threats to journalists, campaign for improved working conditions and build a stronger voice for journalists in the Country.
He therefore, appealed to the Federal Government and all States of the Federation, to take effective measures for better protection of journalists and to fully implement the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.
