President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has assured journalists in Nigeria of protection.
Attorney General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami made the pledge on Tuesday at the 2021 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The AGF’s office and Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) program of the British Council organized a programme to mark the event.
At its 68th session in 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163, which designated every November 2nd for the Day.
In his remarks, Malami said before the Buhari administration, Nigeria ranked between 12th and 13th across the globe and used to be among the top three African countries with impunity for crimes against journalists only after Somalia and South Sudan.
The AGF said recent developments proved that the government has laudable initiatives to end impunity for crimes against Nigerian citizens.
“The Federal Government recognizes the crucial role of journalists in any democratic setting. Journalism is next after, the three arms of a democratic government which makes it the fourth estate of the realm.
“Hence, the journalists render essential service of the watchdog function as well as holding the government accountable.
“The provision of section 22 of the 1999 constitution as amended of Federal Republic of Nigeria underscores this fact.”
It provides: “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media to, at all time, be free to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”
Malami cited the 2020 report of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) titled “Getting Away with the Murder” which presented the Global Impunity Index spotlights of countries where journalists are slain and their killers go free.
The report indicated that Nigeria was the only country to get off the index of nations with impunity for crimes against journalists.
Malami said it was another positive feather of development in the human rights record of the Buhari government “that calls for a celebration”.
The minister added that the government has taken steps in advancing the rule of law, application of human rights, enhancing the freedom of information, the press and the administration of criminal justice.
The AGF also mentioned the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) implementation, Public Interest Disclosure and Witness Protection Bill (2017), Whistle Blower Protection Policy, Open Government Partnership and fight against corruption.
The commitment of the Nigerian government came one day after the United States-based CPJ condemned police assault of reporters during the End SARS anniversary.
At October 20 memorial separately held in Lagos, Osun and other states, DAILY POST’s Sikiru Obarayese, Adefemi Akinsanya of Arise News and Legit’s Abisola Alawode were assaulted.
Meanwhile, Tordue Salem, the Vanguard’s National Assembly reporter is still missing. He was last seen in the Garki of Abuja around 8pm of October 13, 2021.
