The Bauchi council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Nigerian government to provide a conducive and secure environment for them.

This is contained in a statement signed by its chairman and secretary, Umar Sa’du and Isah Garba Gadau to mark the World Press Freedom Day in Bauchi.

The statement explained that ingredients for development of any society could not achieve the set target in the absence of a secure environment.

The union called on governments, individuals, especially politicians and security agencies, to allow journalists carry out their responsibilities without threat or intimidation.

“It’s the best way to encourage them to perform optimally with a view to checking the excesses of the social media platforms,” it said.

The council warned journalists to always practise the profession according to its ethics and always be security-conscious, especially now that the 2023 general elections were around the corner.

It also expressed concern on the level of assaults, kidnapping, intimidation and other forms of threat to lives of journalists nationwide.

The union, therefore, used the occasion to pray for the repose of the souls of its departed members. 

(NAN)