Buhari’s govt defending press freedom, upholding justice and human rights- Lai

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was determined to continue to “defend the freedom of expression and press freedom as well as uphold justice, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in the country”.

The Minister stated this at the 39th Session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in Paris on Tuesday.

Contributing to a debate on “UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity’’, Mohammed said the “Nigerian Government does not engage in impunities against journalists and will never tolerate such’’.

The minister noted that the freedom of the media had been further enhanced through the Freedom of Information Act, adding that government would continue to support the media to serve the people better.

“This effort is intended not only to produce a robust and healthy media, but for the journalism profession to continue to thrive under a conducive environment.

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“The right to Freedom of Information, commonly understood as the right to access information held by public offices, is now widely recognised in Nigeria as a fundamental human right.

“By this act, the Nigerian Government is doing its utmost best to ensure accountability, transparency and openness,’’ he said.

Mohammed said that because of the crucial role that journalists played in advancing development, Nigeria had shown significant commitment towards ensuring press freedom.

He said that the government had responded to inquiries from international organisations, such as UNESCO on cases pertaining to acts of alleged violence against journalists.

“The Government of Nigeria has resolved to continue to defend the freedom of expression and press freedom as well as uphold justice, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in the country,” he said.

The information minister assured of the government’s pledge to remain responsive to the issues of journalists’ safety.

 

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