The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi has called on journalists to hold governments at all levels accountable for their actions.
He said doing so would help to enthrone good governance in Nigeria.
The minister was speaking at this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council which took place in Uyo.
Mr. Ameachi who is a presidential aspirant in the 2023 elections further stated that it is the duty of journalists to challenge the problem of elite conspiracy and manipulation if Nigerians hope to have the type of leadership they desire.
The former Rivers State Governor prevailed on Nigerians to vote wisely in next year’s general elections and commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for the invitation to attend the event.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, commended the minister for facilitating the approvals of the Federal Government for Ibom Deep Seaport and assured that the State Government was on course with the project.
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The Commissioner noted that the event was a reminder to the governments of the need for press freedom and hailed the Akwa Ibom State Government for ensuring that journalists in the state carry out their work unhindered.
The state chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk stated that the Union joins hands with freedom-loving people around the world to urge governments to give journalists the space to practice and ensure the liberty of all.
He called on the National Assembly to initiate the process of amending the Nigerian Criminal Code Act and expunge Sections 50 and 51 that provide for the offense of sedition and Section 375, which dwells on criminal libel.
The NUJ chairman called for a conducive atmosphere for journalists to operate and reiterated the need to adhere to ethical standards in the practice of the profession.
