Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has called for cooperation with journalists and not attacks.
Ojukwu made the call in Abuja on Tuesday, in commemoration of the 2021 International Day to End Impunity and Crime Against Journalists (IDEICJ).
He reiterated the need to show maximum respect, cooperation and support to journalists in the course of their constitutional responsibilities.
He listed the responsibilities as holding the government accountable to the people, as well as informing and educating the public.
“Journalism has remained the oxygen of democracy.
“Even during the military era, journalists stood firm in defence of freedom in spite of the intense harassment and intimidation by the the junta.
“It is not surprising that this year’s theme focuses on the key aspect of prosecutorial services, to ensure that individuals, groups, institutions or government officials, who violate the rights of journalists and media workers, are thoroughly investigated.
“And prosecuted in accordance with the relevant national, regional and international laws,” he said.
He said that the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, had captured this essence in his speech for this year’s celebration.
He noted that Guterres urged member states and the international community to “Stand in solidarity with journalists around the world today and every day.
“And to demonstrate the political will needed to investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists and media workers with the full force of the law,” the UN chief was quoted as saying.
Ojukwu stressed the need to respect the rights of journalists and the journalism profession.
“In Nigeria, there have been some cases of unlawful arrest and detention of journalists, and even enforced disappearance.
“The Commission has always risen up to defend the rights of such victims and has always made remarkable impacts towards ensuring that journalists are not visited with impunity in the course of their job,” Ojukwu said.
The NHRC helmsman therefore, urged journalists not to renege on their humanitarian duties of informing, educating and entertaining the public.
He said the role of journalists in saving humanity could not be over emphasised.
According to him, the dissemination of crucial and scientific information about COVID-19 pandemic by journalists assisted humanity to reduce the scourge and morbidity rate.
Recall that Nov. 2, of every year is the day set aside to draw global attention to the level of impunity and crimes against journalists.