As the Federal Government intensifies fight against corruption in the public service, Speaker Yakubu Dogara on Monday called on Nigerian media practitioners to shun ‘desk journalism’ and engage in qualitative investigative journalism with the intent of exposing corruption in the system.
Dogara’s admonition coincides with President Muhammadu Buhari’s advocacy during the Workers’ Day celebration rally held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, where he solicited for the support of organised labour in the bid to rid public service of corruption.
Dogara, who reiterated the present administration’s change agenda, also emphasised the need for Nigerian press to put patriotism first in the discharge of their responsibilities in order to constantly place Nigeria in a positive light among the comity of nations.
Dogara, who gave the charge via a statement to commemorate the 2016 World Press Freedom, also admonished the media to adhere strictly to the ethics of journalism so as to be competitive globally.
The speaker, who praised the Nigerian press for the role it played in the struggle for and enthronement of democracy, harped on the need to promote national unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, region or tribe.
“It is important that you continue to fight for a society where free, empowered citizens can contribute in a democracy. That is what democracy is all about, freedom to pursue happiness. When that is done, we should be able to deliver on the promise of change, which will lift Nigeria to a new pedestal,” he said.
While asserting the commitment of the eight Assembly towards promoting freedom of the press as one of the cardinal pillars of free society, Dogara, however, urged media practitioners across the country to exercise such freedom with responsibility so as not to endanger the public good.
“This year’s anniversary is coming five years after we passed into law the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), which placed Nigeria as one of the leading nations that have adopted the law,” the speaker said.
The speaker, who noted that without a free press democracy will not thrive, prayed for the repose of the souls of all journalists who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
