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President Muhammadu Buhari has charged journalists and media practitioners to maintain professionalism in the build-up to the 2023 general elections.
The president in his message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, said “the free performance of media roles and responsibilities during the electoral process is as important as the will Nigerians expressed through the ballot box”
With the elections in sight, the president urged the media to be mindful of sponsored political news or publications capable of inciting hatred, division, violence, and chaos in the country, while also ensuring that the electoral umpire and other stakeholders play their roles in delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections to Nigerians.
‘‘We must stay united in supporting media professionals who work hard to de-escalate violent conflict and promote peaceful societies without compromising the responsibility to report,’’ he said, urging government information managers to ensure that the press and the general public have access to facts and figures of government information, without tears.
The president, who saluted the courage and determination of those who daily go the extra mile, sometimes at great personal risk, to keep the society well informed, pledged his commitment to the freedom of the press.
Read also: World Press Freedom: Nigerian media under digital siege
In fostering the pursuit of journalism in the country, Buhari reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to freedom of the press, pledging to continue ensuring the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the lawful performance of their professional duties.
He also charged the Nigerian media to use World Press Freedom Day to reflect on the need to embrace the best professional standards and practices, especially in the build-up to the general elections.
Buhari rejoiced with the Nigerian media and acknowledged their role in strengthening democracy.
In line with the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, ”Journalism under digital siege,” the president assured that government agencies under his watch will always stand against actions capable of limiting the preservation of the freedom of the press guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said the Federal Government was working hard to support media organisations in Nigeria through the provision of better internet access to underserved communities, and achieve 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
Buhari, on behalf of Nigerians, thanked members of the ‘Fourth Estate of the Realm’ whose diligent work help in guaranteeing peace, stability, and progress in the country.
