Journalists and other media professionals who may be on duty to cover the planned nationwide protest starting August 1 have been urged to adopt necessary safety measures to avoid attacks.
The leadership of the International Press Centre, IPC, which gave the advice on Wednesday through a statement, said the admonition to journalists has become necessary in the light of previous experiences when newsmen were assaulted in the course of legitimate duty.
According to the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, media practitioners must work round the clock to ensure their safety through out the period of the protest.
“We urge all journalists and media practitioners who will be on the field to cover the anticipated nation-wide protests to adopt and implement safety measures while carrying out their activities professionally.”
He also enjoined other stakeholders, especially the security agencies, to undertake the performance of their tasks in a civil and responsible manner.
“The security forces should note that the media plays a critical role in the information dissemination chain and are obligated to professionally carry out their task in reporting societal events, hence they be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations. The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries,” Arogundade stressed.
IPC also urged members of the public, including protesters, to recognise the crucial role the media plays by protecting and supporting them as they report critical events during the protest.