Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the federal government to take action to ensure the safety of practicing journalists in Nigeria, as the world observes the 2024 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
MRA urged the government to comply with a February 16, 2024, judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing it to take measures to prevent attacks on journalists and other media practitioners, and to investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of these attacks.
In a statement issued in Lagos by Ms. Obioma Okonkwo, Head of MRA’s Legal Department, the organization described the Federal Government’s continued disobedience of the judgment, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo in a suit MRA filed against the Attorney-General of the Federation, as an affront to justice and the rule of law.
“The court had granted eight declarations sought by MRA and issued three mandatory orders.
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Recalling the court’s orders directing the Federal Government to take measures to prevent attacks on journalists, as well as to investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of all attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, Ms. Okonkwo said, “The culture of impunity being nurtured by the Federal Government through its failure to comply with and enforce the court’s judgment is deeply concerning.”
According to her, “Far too often, crimes committed against journalists remain unresolved, and the perpetrators go unpunished.
“This impunity not only emboldens those who seek to harm or silence journalists and the media, it also undermines public confidence in the rule of law and democratic governance.”
Ms. Okonkwo called on the government to prioritize the protection of journalists through concrete measures, including strengthening legal protections by adopting and implementing laws that shield journalists from violence and harassment, and by ensuring the swift prosecution of those responsible for crimes against media professionals.
She also urged media organizations to take proactive steps to protect their staff and foster a supportive environment where journalists can perform their duties safely and without fear.
Ms. Okonkwo added, “As we commemorate this day, we honor the courage and resilience of journalists who risk their lives and liberty to bring us stories that matter.
“We must renew our collective commitment to ending violence and other forms of attacks against journalists and ensuring that every journalist in Nigeria can work freely and safely.
“Together, let us build a society where truth-telling is celebrated, and those who seek to harm the messengers of truth are held accountable.”
