CJN recommits to freedom of expression, safety of journalists

•NUJ boss deplores intimidation, killing of media personnel
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has said the judiciary would work closely with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in ensuring freedom of expression, access to information and other fundamental liberties.

Speaking at the capacity building workshop for state high court judges on freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information, organised by UNESCO, yesterday, in Abuja, Muhammad observed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that every person “is entitled to freedom of expression, including the right to receive, express and disseminate information and ideas within the concept of democracy.”

The CJN, who harped on journalists being vital in a democracy, said freedom of expression does not confer on media person the right to speak or publish “out of irresponsibility, as the legislature would enact laws to impose restrictions or limitations on right to speech and expression on several grounds.”

He continued: “We need to strengthen the capacity of the judiciary to protect the freedom of expression and safety of journalists. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right universally recognised and protected. The Nigerian constitution provides that every person is entitled to the freedom of expression.”

Muhammad pleaded with UNESCO to build capacity of journalists on legal framework and parameters guiding their profession.

Also speaking, President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, noted that Section 22 of the constitution conferred on the media to responsibly discharge its watchdog functions.

He lamented that in the course of their work over the years, many journalists had either lost their lives or sustained injuries and had their equipment damaged.