President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with the Nigerian media, and recognized their role in strengthening democracy.
The felicitation is on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3 of every year.
The president applauded the courage and determination of those who daily go the extra time, sometimes at great personal risks, to keep the society well informed.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, in fostering the pursuit of journalism in the country, President Buhari reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to freedom of the press, pledging to continue ensuring the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the lawful performance of their professional duties.
He said the president charged the Nigerian Press to use World Press Freedom Day to reflect on the need to embrace the best professional standards and practices, especially in the build-up to the forthcoming general elections.
The president was said to have noted that the free performance of media roles and responsibilities during the electoral process is as important as the sanctity and will of Nigerians, expressed through the ballot box.
The media aide said with the elections in sight, the president urged the media to be mindful of sponsored political news or publications capable of inciting hatred, division, violence, and chaos in the country, while also ensuring that the electoral umpire and other stakeholders played their roles in delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections to Nigerians.
‘‘We must stay united in supporting media professionals who work hard to de-escalate violent conflict and promote peaceful societies without compromising the responsibility to report,’’ the president was quoted as saying, urging government information managers to ensure that the press and the general public had access to facts and figures of government information, without tears.
In line with the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, ”Journalism under digital siege,” President Buhari was said to have assured that government agencies under his watch would always stand against actions capable of limiting the preservation of the freedom of the press guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Adesina said the president said the federal government was working hard to support media organisations in Nigeria through provision of better internet access to underserved communities, and achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030.
He said on behalf of Nigerians, President Buhari thanked members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm whose diligent work helped in guaranteeing peace, stability, and progress in the country.
