President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed the insinuations that
his administration is gagging the media.
Jonathan, through his spokesman, Reuben Abati, was reacting yesterday to the survey of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) which rated Nigeria as the most dangerous place in Africa, after Somalia, for journalists.
Jonathan, through his spokesman, Reuben Abati, was reacting yesterday to the survey of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) which rated Nigeria as the most dangerous place in Africa, after Somalia, for journalists.
Abati said Jonathan has demonstrated
determination, capacity and sincerity in protecting lives and property of
Nigerians, describing as cordial, the relationship between the incumbent
administration and the media.
According to him, there is no media repression in Nigeria as the Federal
Government is committed to promoting the right to freedom of expression and of
the press.Abati said: “I read that report (about the CJP rating). The report is not dealing with government and media relations. It is referring to journalists caught in the crossfire of the Boko Haram activities in the north, and it is in protest to the security challenges in the northern part of the country. This cannot be a true reflection of the circumstances of journalists in the country.
“Even in places where there is violence, journalists are practising with freedom. In reality, journalists in Nigeria are free to practice their profession. The relationship between government and the media is cordial. It was this administration that signed the Freedom of Information bill into law and this has also further expanded the scope of human freedom on all fronts.
“Even in the northern part of the country where there are security challenges, this government has shown determination, capacity and sincerity in ensuring the protection of lives and property to all categories of Nigerians.
Nigerians must beware of reports of this nature which promotes sensationalism, rather than the truth. Press freedom is certainly not an issue in Nigeria under this administration. There is no media repression in Nigeria. This government is committed to the promotion of the right to freedom of expression and of the press”.
Source: Daily Trust
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