GLOBAL COMMUNITY MARKS INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY AND CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS

Second November every year is marked as the International Day to End Impunity and Crimes Against Journalists. The day was instituted at the 68th session of the UN in November 2013 to commemorate the courage of journalists across the world and also create awareness of crimes committed against them.

Available records shows that people involved in nine out of every ten suspected cases of killing of journalists across the globe go unpunished. A veteran journalist, Nnayelugo NworahAsika explained that persecution of journalists didn’t start today ,as veterans like Anthony Enahoro, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and MCK Ajuluchukwu.

Nnayelugo Asika said that journalists had contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria by educating the people, settling social scores, highlighting decay in infrastructure and harmonizing political differences. He further reiterated that journalists should shun defamatory reportage and monetary attractions in performing their functions.

Another veteran journalist, Mr John Enebeli pointed out that journalists should be provided with necessary tools to perform creditably. He further advised present day journalists to be objective in carrying out their duties.

Miss Meg Oputa ,a Legal Practitioner described journalists as the mouthpiece of the nation, who bring the ills  of the society to the forefront. She further explained that a journalist was entitled to protection under the law. It behooves on the government and employers of journalists to provide enabling and conducive atmosphere for them to perform their functions to the society effectively and help make life better for the people.

OBY ARINZE