President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigerian journalists enjoyed unfettered freedom to practise their art under his administration.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as saying this in a statement released to mark World Press Freedom Day celebrated every May 3 internationally.
This year’s celebration marks 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom.
President Buhari said the landmark is a tribute to media professionals, who risk their lives to keep society informed and educated.
On this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, President Buhari expressed delight that the rights of Nigerian journalists have been protected and upheld in the past eight years.
“We have kept the faith. We have ensured that Nigerian journalists have had unfettered freedom to practice their art, and on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we recommit to that resolution, even as we wind down in office,” the President said.
He charged media professionals to continue to be patriotic, work for the cohesion of the country, and exercise their freedom with a high deal of responsibility.