President Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration will uphold press freedom.
The President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, gave the assurance at the 5th Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The theme of conference held in Abuja is: “Fostering Safety of Journalists and Building Synergy with Agents of the State.”
He said: “Transparency and accountability will be our watchword all through.
“The country looks forward to a body of journalists that would be partners of the government in nation building.”
Buhari advised journalists to conduct free, fair and credible elections as they elect new leaders to pilot the affairs of the union in the next three years.
He said: “The country and the whole world are looking forward to witnessing credible elections.”
The President lauded the outgoing president of the NUJ and members of his executive, saying that they performed creditably well.
He urged the incoming leaders to consolidate the good work of the immediate past leaders of the union in order to take it to greater heights.
The Speaker, the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, commended journalists for their doggedness in the struggle for independence and freeing the country from military dictatorship.
Dogara urged journalists to continue with their job as watchdogs of the society.
He, however, expressed concern over the incessant killing of journalists and non-payments of salaries to journalists.
Dogara urged journalists to work with the government in order to move the country forward.
He also urged them to ensure balance in their reportage.
Dogara, however, advised journalists to conduct credible elections, saying: “Nigerians are looking forward to you to get it right and come out stronger and more united than ever before.
“After the accurate coverage of the just concluded general elections, it is now your turn to prove to Nigerians and the whole world that you can get it right.”
NAN.
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