journalists are free to practice their profession, its ok by Me says Jonathan

Contrary to the insinuations that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is frustrating and suppressing the media, the presidency has dismissed the rumour, saying that journalists in Nigeria are free to practice their profession unperturbed.

The Special Adviser to Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said this Friday while speaking to the survey of the Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, which rated Nigeria as the most dangerous place in Africa, after Somalia, for journalists.

According to him, Jonathan has demonstrated determination, capacity and sincerity in protecting lives and property of Nigerians, describing as cordial, the relationship between the incumbent administration and the media.

He stated that there is no media repression in Nigeria as the Federal Government was committed to promoting the right to freedom of expression and of the press.

“Even in places where there is violence, journalists are practising with freedom. In reality, journalists in Nigeria are free to practice their profession. The relationship between government and the media is cordial. It was this administration that signed the Freedom of Information bill into law and this has also further expanded the scope of human freedom on all fronts.

“Even in the northern part of the country where there are security challenges, this government has shown determination, capacity and sincerity in ensuring the protection of lives and property to all categories of Nigerians. - DailyPost