The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria(BON), has called on the Nigerian Government to regard journalists and other media practitioners as essential partners whose roles are to make government and her agencies accountable in order to ensure a stable prosperous and egalitarian society.
Penpushing reports that the Executive Secretary Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Dr Yemisi Bamgbose made the call in his speech as activities to mark the international day to end impunity and crimes against journalists.
The veteran broadcaster emphasized that security agencies are not left out in this regard, stressing that there is need for them to be aware of the better understanding of the roles of the media in good governance as enshrined in the constitution
‘On this international day of seeking an end to impunity and crimes against journalists, it is desirable to call on the government to re-orientate the security agencies and other state actors on the roles of Journalists and other Media practitioners in making Governments at all levels accountable to those that gave them the mandate to administer the country on their behalf’, he wrote.
‘Journalists and other Media practitioners should not be seen as enemies of the State when performing their constitutional roles of ensuring that elected representatives uphold their oaths of office and carry out the wishes of those who elected them’, Bamgbose emphasised.
Penpushing further reports that he pointed out that impunity and crimes against media practitioners such as unlawful arrest, invasion of media houses, brutality, harming, damaging of equipment, harassment and seizure of travelling documents, sponsored attacks, kidnappings and killings of media practitioners will continue to portray the country in a bad light in the comity of nations, stressing that government should therefore, act fast to discourage impunity and crimes against Journalists.
‘It is the responsibility of the government to ensure adequate security for journalists and other media officials while performing their legitimate duties. The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, commends journalists and indeed all media practitioners on their roles of ensuring good governance as well as promoting continuity and sustainability of democratic rule’, he stated.
Penpushing also reports that Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), lamented that year 2024 witnessed the harassment and arrests of some journalists who were carrying out their legitimate duties, pointing out that journalists complement the work of the security agencies and should be seen as partners in the development and protection of our hard-earned democracy.
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