The Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on the Muhammadu Buhari regime to develop a policy to protect journalists while carrying out their constitutional duties.
Emmanuel Ogbeche, FCT council chairman of the NUJ made the call in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the FRCN NUJ Press Week on Friday in Abuja.
According to Mr Ogbeche, who was given an award of excellence at the event, for every journalist that is threatened, harassed, intimidated or arrested, democracy is threatened.
“So government must do more to ensure that journalists are safe because any journalist that feels threatened cannot hold government and its officials accountable.
“So there must be a deliberate policy in terms of the security and welfare of journalists across the country.
“However, it is not just about the protection of journalists but the economic wellbeing of every journalist is important and government needs to take this seriously,” he said.
He also called on government to ensure the safety of students in schools, saying there was the need for a concerted effort to address the issue of insecurity in schools.
“That means, holding a stakeholders engagement for us to know where we have failed and how best we can ensure that students remain in school.
“The issue of psychological counseling for students is very vital. This has been missing.
“However, it is good that the World Bank and other partners are willing to support Nigerian Government.
“The government should explore available opportunities to keep our schools safe,” Mr Ogbeche said.
(NAN)
