Nigerian media at risk for holding govt accountable, says NUJ

President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, has decried the risk journalists face in their professional duties.

Isiguzo, during a virtual event organised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Kano, to mark the World Press Freedom Day, said Nigeria media were still operating under the threat of molestation.

The 2021 celebration came when the global community is still battling with the dreaded Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), he said, lamenting that hundreds of Nigerian journalists had lost their jobs.

The NUJ president, who was worried that despite the challenges the media face, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was still frustrating the broadcasting industry with stiff regulations.

He explained that the Nigerian media remained an integral part of democracy, maintaining that the country’s “survival relies on free press” devoid of intimidation.

In his contribution, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CP Frank Mba, insisted that the media and police were partners in ensuring a peaceful society.

Mba appealed to the media to support the police in de-escalating misinformation in the interest of the public.

The FPRO reassured the media that the police would continue to protect their rights ensure conducive working environment for journalists in the country.