The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Thursday in Abuja challenged
President Muhammadu Buhari to halt perceived politics of exclusion and
embrace politics of inclusion by observing federal character principle
in his appointments next term.
The group which threw the challenge
to the president when its leadership paid a courtesy visit to him in
the State House, advised Buhari to observe federal character principle
as provided in the constitution by carrying every part of the country
along when he takes the oath of office for a second term in May.
Answering
questions from journalists after the meeting, National President of
NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, said they urged the president to correct some
perceived flaws in his first term, emphasizing that his reelection
offers him another opportunity to right the wrongs of his first term.
According
to Isiguzo, the group also tasked the president to stem the tide of
insecurity in both the North-east and North-west where insurgency and
banditry have continued to threaten security of lives and property.
The
NUJ president also said the group enjoined the president to ensure that
during his second term, terrorism is not only technically degraded but
completely knocked out.
He also disclosed that the delegation
demanded from the president freedom of the press for journalists to
freely practise their profession without any fear of harassment or
molestation in conformity with the principles of democracy.
“Basically,
we have come to congratulate the president on his re-election as the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and of course, to also make
it clear to him that to whom so much is given, much more is also
expected from him.
“He’s gone through the first-four years; by May
29, he will be through with that and he’s been given yet another
mandate to lead Nigeria for another four years and we also made it clear
to him that some of the major challenges that we have had in the past
four years, this is an opportunity for him to correct them especially
when it comes to the area of inclusiveness, carrying everybody along.
“That
is the spirit of federal character principle that is enshrined in our
constitution; that he’s got to carry people along, and of course, we
talked about the security problem that we have, not just in the
North-east, but even the banditry in the North-west – in Katsina,
Zamfara and Sokoto.
“We raised that issue and of course, we
challenged him to ensure that the security architecture is overhauled to
be able to effectively tackle these challenges that we have. We
commended him for the fact that as we speak now, there is no part of the
country that is under the control of insurgents which is good, unlike
when he came on board. But we also told him that it is very very
important that terrorism is completely stamped out – effectively tackled
and not technically degraded.
“We want it to be out of our
national life. That was what we told him, and coming to us, we drew his
attention to the fact that journalism profession has become more like a
challenge to all of us. The problem that we are having every now and
then, and of course, freedom of expression, it does appear that it is
taking flight and we said if we are indeed a democratic nation,
journalists must be given free hands to ply their trade.
“A
situation where there is clampdown and harassment doesn’t speak well
for Nigeria as a democracy and we told the president that, and when he
was responding, he told us that he’s going to improve on what he’s done
in the last four years, that there will be a change, a positive change.
“He
also appreciated the role that journalists play in a democracy and he
said Nigerian journalists are a unique set of professionals which of
course, is a good one and that is basically why we are here and it has
been a good meeting with Mr. President,” Isiguzo submitted.
In his
speech at the meeting, Buhari who described journalists as important
pillars of every society, said their professional role does not only
shape the opinions of the society but also fosters decision making.
The
president who also remarked that he was aware of the hazards
journalists face in the discharge of their responsibilities, pledged
that security agencies will continue to provide protection for them.
He
solicited the support of journalists in curbing the menace of social
media, which he said had constituted threats to both the society and
journalism profession in view of its unregulated nature.
The
president also said he remained committed in the next four years to a
safe and secure Nigeria, promising to promote an inclusive and
diversified economy and therefore sought the support of journalists in
achieving these goals by reporting only the truth.
He said: “I
agree that journalists face significant threats in executing their
mandates. Please be assured that the security agencies and all
instruments will continue to do their very best to protect journalists
especially those operating in hostile environments.
“Your
profession today is undergoing a fundamental shift. For better or worse,
the digital space is now becoming the major outlet for ‘news.’ This
space is difficult to regulate and police. In many instances, the
participants in this medium are not trained or professional journalists.
“The
stories they present are neither factual nor true. However, through the
digital platform, they are able to reach millions and create an
alternate reality in their minds.
“I am sure you will all agree
that the biggest threat to the sustainability and credibility of your
profession is the uncontrolled and unregulated news platforms operating
in the cyber space.
“This is not only in Nigeria, but across the
entire globe. Innocent lives have been lost or destroyed due to this
‘fake news’ phenomenon. Many of the perpetrators of these acts do not
even live within our shores. However, they have been able to damage the
reputation of hard working Nigerian journalists while at the same time
promoting conflict and divisions within our society.
“I therefore
seek your cooperation to bring a sustainable end to this menace. As a
Government, we are already cooperating with our international friends
and allies on this matter. But we cannot do it alone. You also have to
do your bit.
“As I look to the next four years, I will remain
committed to a safe and secure nation; creating an inclusive and
diversified economy; and a governance system that is free of corrupt
practices. In all these areas, we will remain transparent in
implementing our policies. In return, I seek your support in ensuring
that you report the truth. You must not allow yourselves to be
influenced by individuals with divisive motives.”
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