THESE are dangerous times to be Journalists in the line of duty globally. This is because they are daily confronted with a host of occupational hazards; grappling with daunting legal and extra legal challenges, risking their lives to bring information to public domain and even pay the supreme sacrifice in line of their duties.
ACCORDING to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, 1418 Journalists were killed worldwide between 1992 and 2021. Information also gathered from countries across the globe revealed that 50 Journalists were killed in 2020.
SINCE 1997 in Nigeria, records showed over 179 cases of violence against Journalists and media workers resulting in 78 fatalities. By prevalence, Lagos state led with 21 instances of violence against journalists and media workers, while Kogi had four cases. Of the 179 cases, the Nigerian Police perpetrated 26 cases, while the military had 10.
THE growing intolerance of dissenting journalists has continually manifested in various forms across the world; from censorship, to act of outright physical intimidation. The escalating attacks on journalists across the world have taken a toll not only on individuals but also the profession. The killing of several journalists over the years is becoming worrisome.
WE cannot forget in a hurry the brutal murder of Dele Giwa, Jamal Kashoogi, Eneachr Akogwu, Fidelis Ikwurbe, Nathan S. Dabak, Okexie Amaruben, Sunday Gyang Bwede, Sim Ninfa-Jan, Samson Boyi, Tunde Oladepo, Bagauda Kaltho and Zakariya Isa whose killings still remained unresolved. So also, Jan Kuciak, Ruben Espmosa, Miroslavia Beach, Ruberto Marcos Garcia and several others murdered and up till today, no arrest has been made and their killers walk freely on the streets.
TO mitigate dangers confronting Journalists, the United Nations has set apart every November 2 to review threats and violence against journalists in the world.
THE United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres in 2021 edition of the programme had urged member states and the international community to stand in solidarity with journalists across the world to demonstrate the political will needed to investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists and media workers with the full force of the law.
THEREFORE, with the sensitive roles journalists play in the world and the advice given by the United Nations Secretary General, we are asking that every murder case against journalists should be reopened and culprits brought to justice.
IN addition, the safety of journalists should be taken seriously. Media owners and institutions training Journalists should not only teach them how to get exclusive stories, but also their safety.
ALSO, journalists should be able to draw the line and beat a retreat when their lives are at risk. There are now modern gadgets that can aid investigative stories. They need not to be physically present, at dangerous scene of event.
AGAIN, media establishments should endeavour to provide insurance cover for journalists working with them.
ALSO, the issue of poor remuneration should be addressed, so that journalists are not vulnerable to corruption. Working for months and years without salary is quite frustrating and morale killer.
THE HOPE calls on the law enforcement agencies to see journalists as friends and not enemies. Most of the killings come from their ends.
WE also urge journalists to be truthful in whatever they do, their penchant for touting money before stories are published should be discouraged. Journalism profession is a noble one that needs diligent and committed hands.
ALSO, all relevant agencies most especially the National Assembly should make laws to professionalise media practice in Nigeria. The process whereby journalism profession is for every Dick and Harry is not good for the profession.
FINALLY, media itself should be ready to professionalize journalism practice in the country. In other to weed out quacks giving the profession a bad image.