Imo NUJ Marks Int’l Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Charge Govts to Always Protect Members

ThankGod Emeh, OWERRI.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State Council has called on governments at all levels to see media practitioners as partners in good progress as well as ensure that the security and dignity of journalists and media workers are protected at all times.

The Imo Council of NUJ gave the charge while felicitating with all journalists and media workers across the country especially those in Imo State as the world marks ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’,

According to a press release issued and signed by the Chairman of Imo NUJ, Chief Christopher Akaraonye and the Council Secretary- Juliet Dim, the Union decries how badly members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm are being treated by security agents and enemies of society without reservations on daily basis as they go about their constitutional functions.

“It is disheartening as we celebrate the Day, that journalists and media workers are still being harassed, intimidated, physically attacked and in some cases killed in the line of Duty”

“Imo NUJ wishes to commiserate and identify with families of fallen colleagues and other media workers whose lives were cut short while carrying out their legitimate duties as journalists and media workers”

“Also, the recent attacks on media houses across the nation during the #EndSARS Protests was a worrisome development”

“We specifically remember the attacks and intimidation against some Imo based journalists and media workers simply for carrying out their duties”

“We call on governments at all levels to ensure that the security and dignity of journalists and media workers are safeguarded at all times”

Significantly, the leadership of Imo NUJ led by Chief Akaraonye expressed satisfaction at the professional conduct of journalists in face of attacks across the state during the heated youth peaceful #EndSARS protests that was later hijacked by hoodlums and regenerated into violence.

The Leadership of Imo NUJ advised journalists to diligently carry out their duties and promised to stand with them at all times.

“We, however, extoll the courage and professionalism exhibited by our journalists and media workers even in the face of daunting challenges of intimidation and attacks by both security agencies, state and non-state actors”

“As a Union, the leadership of Imo NUJ will always stand firm in defence of journalists and media workers who do their job in the state”

“We also promise to guide, guard and maintain the cordial relationship between journalists and security agencies including the public they serve”

It is worthy to note that it is in recognition of the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution at its 68th session in 2013 which proclaimed November 2, as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ (IDEI).

The Resolution urged Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.

The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.

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