The Federal Government has vowed to protect the rights and freedoms of journalists in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this during his remarks at the Ministerial Press Briefing to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on Friday in Abuja.
Also present at the event in commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day are the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Iziaq Salako, and UNESCO country representative in Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo.
Idris noted that the FG is also committed to promoting responsible journalism in the nation.
He also stated that the President Bola Tinubu-led government understands the impact of journalists and their contributions to nation-building, so they will not leave any room for them to be treated badly while carrying out their responsibilities.
Idris further commended journalists for the role they play in society, noting that ‘through thick and thin, and no matter the weather,’ they are always on the ground to give factual reports about recent happenings.
The minister tasked journalists with adhering to the rudiments of their profession. He urged them to use their pen for nation-building instead of using their pens to incite hate between the government and the people.
Idris warned that, though the FG is committed to ensuring that the rights of journalists are protected, they have zero tolerance for journalists who are biased and whose reportage is geared towards inciting hatred in the nation.
He warned that such journalists would face the wrath of the law if caught.
