Fed govt lauds media efforts in promoting democracy

By: Obinna Nnorom

The federal government has commended the media in Nigeria for its consistent role in fostering accountability in public offices in the country since attainment of nationhood and years of democracy.

The President, Muhammadu Buhari made the remark on Friday June 12 during his nation-wide live broadcast to celebrate the maiden June 12 Democracy Day anniversary in the country.

The president recognized the contributions of the Fourth-Estate of the Realm towards the development of democracy and appreciate its doggedness and commitment in the discharge of constitutional duties.
Buhari, however, admitted that the relationship between the media and successive government has not always been perfect but the media has remained the frontline watchdog of society for public accountability and agenda setting.
“I must also commend our deep appreciation to the members of the press for your doggedness in the struggle for attainment of democracy since the beginning of our nationhood.

“I must admit that the relationship between the media and successive governments have not always been perfect but we are not denying the fact that you have been an effective watchdog of the society especially in upholding public office to account,” Buhari said.

He acknowledged that some journalists had paid even with their lives in the course of discharging their duties to ensure a functional democracy in the country.

He stated that in the course of securing democracy, many journalists have paid heavy prizes for that.

The president assured, his administration would continue to guarantee the freedom of press, while ensuing that only responsible journalism prevails to avoid hate speech, fake news and other unethical professional misconduct.

“We will continue to guarantee the freedom of press as we place high premium on responsible journalism devoid of hate speech, fake news and other unethical professional misconducts.” He said.