2015 Polls: Guaranteeing Safety Of Journalists

A couple of weeks ago, a reporter with
Channels Television covering a political
rally in Okrika, Rivers State was stabbed while on duty.  Few days later, another journalist, attached to the Rivers State Government House was kidnapped in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. This is one situation that must never be allowed to continue.
Political events where life and property, especially that of media men cannot be guaranteed may no longer be covered.  The trend has reached a level where journalists no longer feel safe to perform their duty as the chroniclers of events in the country. This is highly condemnable.
All over the civilised world, journalists are not attacked in course of their duty even at war times. It is an unwritten practice that, like other social workers, journalists are allowed to do their sacred duty to mankind without any hindrance. The wisdom in this is that all sides in any conflict would want to air their own views for public support.
That is why the recent attacks on journalists, especially, at political events in Rivers State have become unacceptable. As expected, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Rivers State had said that its members may no longer cover political events where their safety cannot be guaranteed.
The Tide notes that although the job and responsibilities of the journalist are clearly cut out in the Nigerian Constitution, they cannot do much if their safety cannot be assured.  The role of the media is so connected to the running of a just and democratic society that they cannot be allowed to step asides. Certainly, not at times like thus, when the participation of every citizen is required .
While we pray for the quick recovery of the Channels Reporter, and thank God for the release of  the Rivers State Governor’s  Deputy Chief Press Secretary and the point must be made that because  Journalists serve all interests there can be no justification for violence against  them.
Studies have shown that journalists are among the most endangered work group.    Yet, they are about the least recognised and paid in Nigeria. This has not changed even when the media played major role in the attainment of independence and later the return to democracy in Nigeria.
Times like this bring to mind the protracted demand for  insurance scheme for journalists, the upward review of their remuneration and the provision of a conducive working environment. But why not much has been done in these areas remain unspeakable . Its effect on the development of the industry is also there for all to see.
We are aware that the media has been infiltrated by charlatans, some of whom the ethical and professional demands of the job may not be clear. Some have also used the poor pay as excuse to compromise on standards and conduct, but none of these can justify attack on any journalist.
The media must not only be professional at all times, they must be seen to be open and committed to all interests. As often stated, the media is the fourth arm of government in any viable democracy. So, the media cannot afford not to serve the interest of all and so enjoy the protection of all.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2015 polls, we expect that all stakeholders, including the political parties, the security agencies and the electoral body will factor-in the safety of journalists at the various elections.
The credibility of the elections can be hampered by the failure of the media to participate and report the inter-play of forces and issues at the elections. Indeed, the presence of the media can also deter some irregularities and position Nigeria as a responsible country in the eye of the international community.
Even as we cannot advise any journalist to endanger his/her life, practitioners must not allow themselves to be intimidated and prevented from doing their jobs. They must act wisely, apply all legitimate means of protecting themselves, but the security agencies owe it a duty to ensure that no journalist suffers any harm in course of rendering service to this country.