NUJ, NGE, NAWOJ condemns oppressive laws against journalist.

Peter Jerome
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) have expressed concern over the persistent threat and uneasiness that have ridiculed ideal journalistic practice in the country, stressing that the environment unleashes psychological trauma on practitioners.
The NUJ while leading a discussion in Abuja on Wednesday, specifically pointed out that with the array of unresolved issues, bothering on attack against journalists, those who perpetrate the array of attacks do so in reckless abandon, adding that threats of prosecution to a large extent encourage self-censorship.
Stating the position of the Union at the stakeholders’ workshop organized by the International Press Centre, Lagos, as part of the activities to mark the World Press Freedom Day, the National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo said that when a journalist resort to forces censorship, the negative impact it makes on the delivery of good governance can be better appreciated.
The union Chief encouraged journalists to remain undaunted in the face of the current challenges, but to remain resilient and courageous to report truthfully and factually.
Also speaking, the President of the Guild of Editors, Mr. Mustapha Isa pointed out the worrisome nature of the abuse of the provisions of the law by Government in Nigeria stating that media freedom is key to the access of information and knowledge for public good. He also pathetically stressed on the suspension of the arbitrary fines imposed on broadcast media by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which according to him has reach an unbearable situation that must be halted.
Similarly, the President of the Nigeria Association of Female Journalists (NAWOJ), Ladi Bala noted that the nation is not in short supply when talking about laws on press freedom in the country, adding that despite the availability of laws, journalists are not free to practice the way they ought to, and that the press can be enhanced and better guaranteed with economic power and freedom. She submitted by urging journalists to reorient their minds in rendering service and not allow their minds to be caged.