A Clarion Call To The Plight Of Journalists

Opinion

There is no professional group that has suffered more economic losses and personal molestation or inundation, including physical elimination and torture than the journalist.

What is journalism? Journalism is an act of earning one’s living through writing for the print (i.e. newspapers, magazines, etc.) and electronic (i.e. television, radio) media.

All over the world, journalists provide citizens with the information about government and society at large. The true journalist’s writing and reporting are factual and objective, he does not colour his story. Journalists inform citizens about events in their locality, community, country and the world.

Editorials published on topical issues do to a large extent, educate and influence public’s opinions, because people want to know what is happening to them and their world, people are aware that many things are happening and need a clear and correct picture of the situation. People want to expand their horizon, they are worried because of the complexities and insecurity in our country.

The journalist is like a hired labourer whose responsibilities are not to his employer, but to the human race. He passionately believes in equal opportunity for all and never loses a chance to participate actively in anything that would bring this about. His sole concern at all times is the welfare of his people.

Journalism is a hazardous profession, yet the journalist is undaunted as he uses his pen, camera and microphone to fight for the cause of the truth, freedom and national independence.

He does this in the course of his profession and for the good of his people. He abhors violence no matter the merit of its objectives. Journalists hold the view that anything obtained through violence or bloodshed, would not endure. Wherever journalists are, they exude conviviality and peace.

Yet, the journalist is always the first object of attack for anyone desiring to curtail or suppress the civil right of any community. He receives more attention from the law enforcement agencies than fierce robbery syndicates. We all acknowledge the risk of life and personal liberty of the journalist.

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Journalists have become target of murderers and kidnappers. The spate of brutality and murder of journalists in recent times has reached an alarming rate. Journalists are law abiding citizens of this country who use their pen and pencil to fight for a new Nigeria. They are men and women of integrity, who work to leave permanent positive foot print for posterity on the sands of time.

It should be noted that those behind this dastardly act are not ghosts, they are not invisible, rather, they are humans like you and I. They live with us in our various neighbourhoods. There is the need for us all to be more on the alert, to fish out these criminals in our communities. The Federal Government, all security agencies, community leaders as well as well-meaning Nigerians should work closely to expose the perpetrators.

Above all, an insurance scheme should be put in place to cater for journalists and the families they leave behind in case of death, for those who die in active service.

Let us all come together to ensure the security of lives and properties in the country in order to create an environment where journalists can perform their great and enormous responsibilities in a substantial and control format, within legal limitation and ethics of journalism, without fear or any form of hindrances, intimidation or molestation for the opinion expressed. This is a drastic situation and a drastic situation calls for a drastic action.

— Christina George

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