Edo NUJ urges FG to review allocation to media as Obaseki, Others assures journalists of Security

To commemorate the World Press Freedom Day set aside by the United Nation, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ have urged the Federal Government to institute a constitutional review that would give an annual allocation to the Media as the Fourth Estate of the realm.

this is just as the Edo state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has assured journalists in the state of security of lives in their line of duty.

Obaseki gave the assurance yesterday during a rally to make the 2017 celebration themed: “Critical Mind for critical times; Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies” at the Government House by the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ Edo state council.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Taiwo Akerele, Obaseki condemned the attacks on journalists in some states in the country and assured that his government will create an enabling environment for journalist to excel without infringing on their ethical right.

He said, the government will always create a conducive environment for all journalists to thrive commending the NUJ for upholding the ethics of their profession so far.

According to him, “On behalf of the governor I want to congratulate the NUJ and the entire media community for coming out to join the rest of your colleagues around the world to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day.

“We are aware that journalists are vulnerable to attacks but then they must do their work.

“We are in a democracy, the Edo stat government has created a friendly working environment for journalists to work.

“Today as a government we are committed to guarantee the security and lives of every journalist in Edo state. We are going to do everything possible to support journalists in the state. We will not do anything to undermine the freedom of the press”. He assured.

On his part, the NUJ state council Chairman, Sir Rolland Osakue said the celebration was important to remind the three tiers of government of the continuous threats posed to journalists who are supposedly the fourth estate of the realm.

Osakue narrated the timeline of assaults on journalists who is made to monitor other tiers of the government saying the liberty of the press, freedom and enfranchisement of journalists will portray Nigeria as a real democratic country.

He said the core of the profession must be articulated because without information the society will be dead. He further said journalists are the only people who swallow fire for the people drink water demanding that there should be a constitutional review to allow for a yearly budget that would take care of journalists.

“We are saying that journalists should enjoy a suitable environment to enjoy their job. There is need for the press to be free.

“Since the executive, legislature and Judiciary have an allocation, the media should be accorded such benefit also. Journalists are the fourth estate of the realm that doesn’t maintain allocation or any allowance. Today we are also asking for is liberty, freedom and enfranchisement of journalists in the state.

“We are your friends, we are your partners in progress and we should be protected”. He stated.

CAPTION:

The Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Mr Taiwo Akerele and the Interim Chief Press Secretary, Mr john Mayaki in a group photography with the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists led by its chairman Sir Rolland Osakue at the 2017 World Press Freedom Day Celebration in Benin City.