Akwa Ibom NUJ vows to combat fake news as IPC seeks journalists’ safety

Akwa IBOM State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ, has declared that the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) has reawakened consciousness of media practitioners in the state to always report the truth.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Amos Etuk and Secretary, Dominic Akpan yesterday, the Union said, even during the COVID19 pandemic, members would always disseminate true report to members of the public.

It expressed happiness to join journalists all over the world to mark the Day notwithstanding the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic, adding that, their joy knew no bounds, as they joined millions globally to pay tributes to their colleagues who lost their lives in the course of their duties.

“We are urged by the import of this year’s theme of the WPFD to reassure Akwa Ibom people that we shall continue to discharge our duties objectivity and without fear or favour.

“This is because an independent press is a major pillar for the sustenance of democracy and good governance in any society,” the statement added.

Besides, the International Press Centre (IPC) has tasked governments, the legislature, judiciary, security agencies, media associations and other critical stakeholders on their role in ensuring press freedom.

In a statement issued on the sidelines of the 27 WPFD, the IPC insisted that stakeholders must provide an enabling environment and measures for the safety and media independence media practitioners.

Its Director, Lanre Arogundade, noted that in line with this year’s theme, “Journalism Without Fear or Favour,” the rights to freedom of expression and the press to freely publish, editorialise, critique and inform without fear was a fundamental principle inthriving democracies and economies of successful governments, which must be upheld in the country.

He stated that it was the duty of governments and stakeholders to respect and uphold press freedom, while reaffirming the crucial roles of journalists, especially as the Coronavirus pandemic ravages the world.

He noted that crisis associated with the pandemic have exposed journalists’ vital role, as purveyors of information, providing scientific and health education to the anxious on the pandemic, alongside deflating misinformation, which save lives.

Arogundade also pointed out that the challenges of the pandemic cut across all borders, hence the Nigerian government must not make media practice difficult, especially as the practitioners must continually to provide information to members of the public without fear and intimidation.