The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has expressed happiness with the February 16, 2024 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the Federal Government to investigate attacks against journalists, describing it as an important milestone in the defence of press freedom and protection of journalists’ rights.
Recall Media Rights Agenda (MRA) filed the lawsuit that resulted in the court’s verdict by Justice Inyang Ekwo in which he ordered the Federal Government to investigate all attacks against journalists, prosecute and punish perpetrators, and prevent further assaults on journalists.
The coalition called on Federal Government to take concrete steps to prevent attacks on journalists, thoroughly investigate past incidents, prosecute those responsible, and provide effective remedies for victims.
It also urged the Federal Government to implement the court’s orders to demonstrate its commitment to upholding press freedom and protecting journalists’ rights as failure to do so would not only breach its statutory duty but also undermine fundamental principles of democracy and accountability.
The coalition further stressed the need for government to conduct awareness-raising activities and capacity-building efforts to educate stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and media practitioners, on the laws and standards governing the safety of journalists.
It reaffirmed its support for MRA’s effort in promoting media freedom and defending journalists’ rights, saying: “as advocates for press freedom, CWPPF reaffirms its support for MRA’s efforts in promoting media freedom and defending the rights of journalists.
“Together, we will continue to champion transparency, accountability, and the crucial role of a free press in democratic societies,” the group noted.
