The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for upholding democracy in the country.

Mr Abbas spoke at the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2024 in Abuja on Saturday night.

He said, “It is remarkable and instructive that the theme of the 2024 Press Week is ‘Nexus between Press Freedom and Good Governance.’”

The speaker said the focus underscored the role of the media in advancing governance, democracy, and development in society.

According to Mr Abbas, it also underscores the universal recognition of the media as the fourth estate of the realm.

He said the 10th Assembly recognised the integral place of a free and responsible press in the government’s activities, resulting in its resolve to strengthen media freedom and operations.

According to him, this is through its legislative agenda aimed at reviewing laws and practices that restrict the press from discharging their constitutional duties in an unfettered and independent manner.

Also, the Benue’s Governor Alia Hyacinth said he was indebted to Nigerian journalists in the quest for democratic governance.

He added that their relentlessness in the quest for democratic governance should be commended.

“I am indebted to NUJ because when you work not minding whether you are recognised or not, and someone sees it and acknowledges it, it’s a huge favour.

“So, we all have a role to play in democracy; it must be fought for and defended, and I remain indebted to journalists,” said Mr Alia.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno said journalists in Borno had been given security support due to a decade of insurgency, which bedevilled the state.

“So, journalists in Borno are now doing their jobs freely, and the state government has given them the needed support,” said Mr Zulum.

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, said the Nigerian press, which has always been free, will remain free despite being faced with some challenges before now.

“The president said he is also a product of the free press and would not allow the free press to be trampled upon in Nigeria,” he said.

Chris Isiguzo, the president of NUJ, said, “Press freedom is not just a constitutional provision but the bedrock of transparency and social justice.”

Mr Isiguzo also stressed that press freedom was not just a privilege but a fundamental human right for a healthy democracy. 

(NAN)