How to end impunity in Nigerian Journalism

In the bid to end the challenge of impunity in Nigerian Journalism, Trinity Communications, publishers of Safety and Security Watch Magazine has held a one-day free symposium, themed; ‘Safety of Journalists and the Challenge of Impunity in Nigeria’.

Speaking at the symposium yesterday at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, A Media Consultant/ Former Managing Director, Champion Newspaper, Mr Emma Agu, said the issue of impunity and clashes between journalists and security agents can be addressed through constructive engagement between the security agencies and the media.

According to him; “Journalists need to be acquainted with security imperatives and the security agencies should understand the working of the media, outside their perception of the way the media should function. This relationship would strengthen understanding between the two professions and reduce conflicts and causes of.”

He noted that there is need to create some features for journalists covering certain activities by way of insurance as there could be a disaster. “Media houses should create a special insurance for Journalists covering conflict zone.”

According to him, Journalists should practice justice and be professional. “The professional aspects ensure that all the elements of good journalism are put in place, the Journalist is balanced and ensures that all the parties are well covered.”

He said the government should also show responsibility to Journalists.

Managing Editor/ Coordinator, Trinity Communications, Dr Amaechi Chinyere said the symposium is to mark the 2017 World Day for Safety of Journalists.

According to her, the aim is to create awareness on the hazards that are embedded in the job of a Journalist and so that the society will understand the journalists and find a way of assisting them to do their work better.

“The only way to bring an end to impunity is through the law. The law is there but it is in implementing them that we have a problem.

For years people harass journalist and employers don’t pay them well.  Journalists fight for others but nobody cares about nor fights for them.”

The only way to stop impunity, she said, is to play by the rules and for Nigerians to rise against impunity wherever it occurs in the media.

She urged the government to comply with the provisions of all laws. “All the laws against impunity should be activated. Employers of labour should equip their workers.  All Journalists should rise up and begin to do our job well. We should do an easement on the hazards of our jobs before embarking on it,” she said.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the Police and the public work hand in hand to achieve necessary result.

According to him, “The police have evolved over time, we have the human face and we have increased our form of community relationship.”

Famous-Cole disagreed with the conflict between the media and the police, noting that they have good relationships. “The new CP wants us to synergies more and create a better relationship and be more cautious to how we interact in our conduct among civilians,” he said.

Zonal Head of Training, Zone 2, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos, Segun Akinyemi, said, the risk in the Journalism profession can be reduced through training, insurance understanding, advocacy and acquiring knowledge.

“Journalists are the only group of people that go to war without training and weapons. They go to war to cover the situation and this has to change. You as a journalist must know the danger you are going to face in a place and access it as this would help you in discharging your duties,” he said.

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