Rep Obi Aguocha (LP-Abia) has called for better welfare packages and improved wages for media practitioners in the country.
Aguocha who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Monday, also called for legal protection, and safer working conditions for journalists.
Aguocha who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of House Standing and Ad hoc Committees, warned against media intimidation, censorship and harassment.
The lawmaker said that media censorship and other related actions were dangerous assault on democracy and human rights.
He commended the media practitioners for their resilience in the face of political pressure, economic hardship and personal risk.
According to him, the press as the eyes and ears of the people tasked with holding the public officers accountable and informing citizens.
He urged government agencies and political leaders to respect the independence of the press and protect journalists at all times.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state; they are watchdogs of the people’s interest. They amplify the voices of the voiceless, expose corruption, and tell the stories that matter, without them, democracy would be blind.
“We must move away from a culture of fear and embrace a culture of transparency. Freedom of the press is not a privilege given by the government, it is a fundamental right that must be upheld and defended,” he said.
“If we want a more accountable society, we must empower those who speak truth to power. Supporting the press means supporting democracy,” he said.
He urged young Nigerians to take interest in credible journalism and support platforms that prioritize truth, objectivity, and national development.
Aguocha UN declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to governments of the need for commitment to press freedom and to honor the critical role journalists play in fostering inclusive, transparent, and participatory governance. (NAN)
