Jonathan Foundation calls for safeguard of journalists against attack

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has called on governments and citizens to make commitments toward the defence of journalism and journalists from attacks as the world celebrates Press Freedom Day.

This is contained in a statement by the foundation’s Communications Officer, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, on Tuesday in Abuja.

It said the theme of this year’s celebration: “Journalism under digital siege”, highlights the challenges of contemporary media practice in an era of digital technology.

The foundation said that in spite of the obvious benefits associated with digital technology in the society, it had exposed citizens to new forms of tyranny and violence.

It called on stakeholders to defend journalism from all forms of repression.

It also urged the media professionals to uphold media ethics in the discharge of their duties and ensure that information used for public good at all times.

The foundation celebrated Nigerian journalists and other media stakeholders across Africa who bore the burden of information dissemination and continue to use information as a means to promote good governance and accountability in our nations.

“The theme for this year :“Journalism under digital siege,” highlights the challenges of contemporary media practice in this era of digital technology; which has created new forms of tyranny and theatres of violence in our nations.

“Digital technology, in spite of its benefit of democratising access to information, has also exposed citizens to undue violence and unwarranted censorship by state and non-state actors.

“As we celebrate, we call on governments and citizens to defend journalism against attacks as well as commit to protecting journalism and journalists from all threats in our societies.

“We also urge media professionals to live up to their responsibilities; uphold media ethics and ensure that information is used for public good at all times,” it stated.