The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an end to intimidation and impunity against journalists before the 2023 general elections.

In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, the national secretary of the union, Shuaibu Leman, said the NUJ joined the rest of the world to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

He urged the government at all levels to prioritise the safety and security of journalists by investigating attacks against them and prosecuting culprits.

“The safety and security of journalists must be tackled squarely ahead of the 2023 election when journalists that cover elections are routinely exposed to attacks, intimidation and harassment by political actors and agents of the state,” he said.

Mr Leman decried that over the years, journalists in the country have suffered various forms of attacks while carrying out their duties.

“Many journalists face physical assaults; their equipment destroyed in the process, while the female journalists are sexually harassed,” Mr Leman said.

The NUJ secretary said journalists should be accorded unfettered freedom to perform their professional responsibilities at all times to promote accountability and openness in governance.

“We call on government authorities to remove all forms of bureaucratic red tape that deny journalists access to certain areas and conditions that do not promote freedom of the media and the rule of law.

“Not doing so will make them engage in self-censorship in order to avoid harassment by government and its agents,” Mr Leman said.

He called for caution and tolerance towards media professionals and equipment as the nation moves closer to the 2023 general elections.

The NUJ scribe said the union would continue to guide against unethical acts that hinder the democratic process by journalists. 

(NAN)