NUJ Proposes Review Of Constitution To Protect Media Practitioners, Equipments

By Joseph Sunday

The Nigeria Union Of Journalists, NUJ, has requested and proposed for the review of the Constitution to accept and accommodate the protection of media Practitioners and it’s equipments, in an effort to uphold the fundamental human rights and align with international best practices.

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Mr Alhassan Abdullahi, the Union’s National President made this known at the South-West House of Representatives Zonal Constitutional Review Conference held in Lagos on Saturday.

Abdullahi said the Nigerian Constitution, like many others globally, guaranteed freedom of expression, safety and security for media professionals were inextricable from this right.

He said the challenges faced by journalists and independent media organisations were not isolated industry issues, but systemic threats that ripple through the fabric of the society, undermining its collective progress and stability.

The NUJ national president, described attacks on journalists as against fundamental freedom for all citizens.

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“We gather here today at a pivotal moment for the future of journalism in our nation. The bedrock of any thriving society rests upon transparency, and accountability, principles meticulously upheld by a free and independent press.

“However, the current landscape for media professionals is fraught with peril, characterized by alarming threats to their safety and an economic fragility that jeopardizes the very existence of independent voices.

“Journalists, like all citizens, have the right to life and personal liberty. Specific constitutional provisions protecting journalists would reinforce these rights in the context of their professional duties, acknowledging the unique risks they face.

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“A lack of explicit constitutional protection can contribute to a culture of impunity, where perpetrators of violence against journalists are not brought to justice. This emboldens further attacks and creates a chilling effect on press freedom.

“The time for decisive action is now. Let us, through this constitutional review, forge a future where journalists can operate without fear.”

Abdullahi said the National Assembly endorsement of these proposals would not only redefine the media landscape, but profoundly strengthen the very foundations of the beloved Nigeria.

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The national president said the proposal, was not merely a plea for support, but an urgent call to action, a strategic imperative to safeguard the foundational elements of democratic governance and ensure an informed citizenry.

Abdullahi said the challenges faced by journalists and independent media organisations were not isolated industry issues, but systemic threats that ripple through the fabric of our society, undermining our collective progress and stability.

The national president, therefore sought urgent need for important consideration for a bailout fund to help media organisations innovate and find sustainable business models for the future.

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Abdullahi said establishing a Media Bailout Fund for independently-owned media organisations was a critical intervention to ensure media independence and recognize the essential “public good” role that journalism plays.

The national president noted that the mechanism for disbursing and overseeing the bailout fund must be entirely transparent and accountable to prevent political interference or favoritism.

He said: “An independent body, free from government influence, should manage the fund to ensure it serves its intended purpose of supporting independent journalism, not as a tool for government patronage.”

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In his presentation, Mr Funmi Sessi, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said there would be a stiff penalty against any state government that had anything to do with the workers pension or salary.

According to Sessi, we are talking about the constitution review that should have a stiff penalty against any state government that has something to do with the state of the workers pensions or salaries.

Sessi also urged the committee to ensure that every issue of labour should not leave the exclusive list.

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