World Press Freedom Day: Dogara urges journalists to be patriotic

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has called on journalists to be patriotic in the discharge of their responsibilities by always portraying the country in positive light.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Turaki Hassan, Special adviser to the speaker on Media and Public Affairs, on Monday in Abuja to mark the World Press Day.

Dogara admonished the Nigeria press to adhere strictly to the ethics of journalism in line with global best practices.

He also lauded the media for their role in the struggle for the enthronement of democracy in the country.

He, however, called on media practitioners to shun “desk journalism’’ and engaged in “qualitative investigative journalism.’’

This, he said, would promote national unity and expose rot and corruption in the system in line with the present administration’s change mantra.

“‎It is important that the press continues to fight for a society where freed, empowered citizens can contribute in democracy. That is what democracy is all about, freedom to pursue happiness.

“When that is done, we should be able to deliver on the promise of change, which will lift Nigeria to a new pedestal,” he stated.

Dogara said the 8th National Assembly was poised to promoting freedom of the press as one of the cardinal pillars of free society.

“This year’s anniversary is coming five years after we passed into law the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), which placed Nigeria as one of the leading nations that have adopted the law,’’ he said.

The speaker stressed that that without a free press democracy would not thrive.

He, however, urged media practitioners to exercise such freedom with responsibility so as not to endanger the public.

Dogara prayed for the repose of the soul of all journalists, who paid the supreme price while in the line of their duties.