The Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News (ABJFN) joins the global community in commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade James Ezema, ABJFN noted that “As we mark this significant day, we demand an end to impunity against journalists and unrestrained access to information to minimize the spread of fake news and false information.
The nongovernmental organisation, registered in 2023, observed that “as journalists and media professionals, we face numerous challenges in carrying out our duties, including physical attacks, harassment, threats, and unlawful detention.
“The culture of impunity has emboldened perpetrators, making it difficult for journalists to operate freely. We urge the Federal, state, and local governments to take concrete steps to protect journalists and ensure their safety.
“Journalists are not criminal elements, and journalism must not be criminalized in Nigeria,” said National President of ABJFN.
“We call on security agencies to protect journalists in their line of duty and not threaten them as enemies of the state. Journalists have a constitutional role in informing and educating the populace and setting agendas for the leadership of the country at all levels.”
The statement added, “We commend the efforts of the United Nations in promoting the safety of journalists and combating impunity. The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is a crucial step towards addressing the challenges faced by journalists worldwide.
“To mitigate the negative impacts of fake news in Nigeria, we urge journalists to maintain professionalism in their work and follow appropriate channels to report attacks. We also call on lovers of professionalism to stand with us in our drive to promote factual reporting and ethical journalism in Nigeria”.
The key demands of ABJFN includes, an end to impunity against journalists and media professionals, a call on governments and security agencies to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, demand for unrestrained access to information to minimize the spread of fake news and false information and urging journalists to maintain professionalism in their work and follow ethical standards.
The statement concluded that “As we commemorate this important day, we remember the journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We honour their memory by continuing to advocate for a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate.”