The House of Representatives on Thursday said it would partner with the media for improved working environment.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Rep. Zakari Mohammed (PDP-Kwara), to mark the 2012 World Press Freedom Day.
Mohammed, who is Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the house shared in the challenges facing the profession.
He reaffirmed its support for the legitimate aspirations of Nigerian journalists.
“The House of Representatives, particularly notes with deep regrets, discomfiture and unsettling amazement, current attacks on the Nigerian media by terrorist. ’’
According to him, the house condemn in strongest terms, recent attacks and threats of further attack on the media by terrorist.
“It is worthy of note that freedom of speech is guaranteed by global legal instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
Mohammed said that the role of journalists was guaranteed in the constitution, adding that the constitution recognised the press as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm’’.
He noted that any attack on the media was a direct affront and infringement on freedom of speech and a breach of the constitutionally provided roles of journalists.
“This is unacceptable and the House of Representatives as a responsible and responsive arm of government will not shy away from intervening through all legal means available to protect the rights of journalists and freedom of expression.
He urged the media to remain undeterred in the discharge of their duties and call on security agencies to secure lives and property of Nigerians, including journalists.
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