Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere has joined other numerous people of good conscience in calling to end of impunity of crimes against journalists in the course of discharging their constitutional duties.
Prince Madumere stated this while speaking to the newsmen on the marking of “International Day to impunity for crimes against Journalists in his office in Government House, Owerri.
He decried the spate of maltreatment, disregard and violation of the rights of journalists, the section of the polity he described as very crucial to the development of any nation.
Speaking further, he regretted the loss of close to 100 Nigerian journalists between 2014 and 2015, which are attributed to violence and crimes against them.
Defending the members of fourth realm of the estate, he said the job of the journalists draws its strength from the fundamental rights of freedom of expression especially as it concerns policies and human development.
The number two citizen also submitted that Journalists are for everyone and therefore should not be hounded since their role is mainly to protect and ensure that leaders and people are put to check in policies and ensuring fair play among the governed and between the governed and the government.
He, however called on the umbrella bodies to ensure that members are professional in their reporting by ensuring they cross-check every information and ensure a balance in their reporting.
He therefore extolled the United Nations for setting out “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which comes up every November 2.
He however frowned at occasions where newsmen rather than operate by the ethics of the profession choose the inglorious path of defaming personalities for reason of vested interests that are not objective.
While calling on Journalists to retrace their steps and refrain from unprofessional and unethical practices, he called on those who feel injured by the actions and in-actions of some Journalists to use legitimate means towards addressing the matter by seeking redress at the law courts or petition Press Council. “Such approach is more honourable and most acceptable in civil societies than buying into jungle justice that is usually uncivilized and illegal especially in a democracy”, he enthused.