Akpabio Urges Journalists To Uphold Professional Standards

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on journalists to put guardrails in the profession for the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.

The Senate President who stated this at the Press Freedom and Good Governance Award Night noted that bad journalism is a threat as it erodes trust, misinform the public and undermine democracy.

Represented by the Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu , the Senate President commended the union for its efforts in uniting the nation describing it as part of scaffolding of the national structure.

” To our noble journalists, you are not mere scribes, you are guardians of memory and interpreters of meaning, you are the flashlights in the room, the salt in the stew, the pepper when necessary but with that power comes responsibility. We in the Legislature will defend your freedom but we urge you in turn to defend the truth because misinformation in today’s world is not just a nuisance, it’s a national threat “.

Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya while emphasising that a free press and accountable governance are inseparable reiterates the unions demand for safer working conditions for its members.

“Nigeria Union of Journalists remains steadfast in its mission to uphold ethical journalism, defend the rights of journalists and hold leaders accountable to the people they serve, press freedom remains the cornerstone of democracy, allowing citizens to hold leaders accountable and ensuring transparency and accountability in public affairs, it is not a privilege but a fundamental right that enables the media to perform its duties without fear or persecution, good governance on the other hand is the bedrock of our society , guaranteeing fairness, transparency and accountability in public affairs “

“We reiterate our demand for safer working conditions for journalists, the recent commitment by the Federal government to uphold free speech is commendable but words must translate into action , as we celebrate tonight, let us remember that a society that silence its journalists forfeits its right to truth “.

Alhassan Yahya stated that NUJ remains steadfast in its mission to uphold ethical journalism as well as hold leaders accountable.

Nkiru Njamanze,Edited By Shakira Alabi