By Teniola Blessing.
The Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B (South West, Nigeria), Comrade Ronke Samo, has called for adequate protection of journalists across the globe in the course of carrying out their duties.
This was contained in a release signed and made available to the press by the VP on the occasion of this year International Day To End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists.
Samo, equally advised the concerned authorities not to lose focus of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 which urged Member States to implement definite measures to counter the culture of impunity.
Noting that, Journalists, as the watchdogs of the society, plays a vital role in good governance which leads to a sustainable democracy and foster a sane environment free of rumour and prejudice. She therefore, pressed for a special protection and respect for media workers to ensure their safety while discharging their duties as enshrined in the Constitution.
“The citizens also need to understand the delicate role of the media as the arbiters in the public discourse that must be trusted to clarify goals of the society, while government should ensure that all crimes committed against media workers are brought to book to curb impunity and oppression against journalists”
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists happens to be a UN -recognised day, usually observed on 2nd November of every year. The date was chosen to commemorate the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2nd November, 2013.
