President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday saluted journalists round the country as they join their professional colleagues
round the globe to mark World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).
The WPFD is observed every May 3 to celebrate fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom round the world, defend media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
He urged journalists to use the day to appraise and recommit themselves to the ethics that guide their noble profession.
“Without adherence to ethics, professions turn awry, and become part of national malaise, rather than solutions.
“That is why journalists must constantly recommit to the canons of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, balance, and other ideals that guide their profession.
“On this occasion of WPFD, I urge you to rededicate yourselves to the role of being watchdogs of society, while being mindful of the cohesion and equilibrium of that same society. There are always those who want to use the media to emphasize our fault lines as a people, dwell on primordial sentiments, and keep the country perpetually on the same spot. Be wary of such.”
The President notes that the theme of this year’s celebration, Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation, is quite germane for Nigeria, having recently concluded our general elections, and urges the media to reflect on the deleterious effect of fake news, misinformation and disinformation before, during and after the polls.
Buhari affirms that government would continue to ensure that the media was not muzzled in any way, since democracy and freedom of expression were kindred spirits.
“Our administration is committed to the highest levels of transparency, and we will guarantee press freedom at all times. We only require that the freedom be used responsibly, and for lofty ideals of national unity and development,” the President asserts.