World Press Day: Journalists enjoyed unfettered freedom under me, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerian journalists enjoyed “unfettered freedom” under his administration.

In a statement on Wednesday, Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said Buhari felicitates with the media on World Press Freedom Day.

“President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with the media on occasion of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every May 3 internationally,” Adesina said.

“This year’s celebration marks 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom, and the president says 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 is delighted that the rights of Nigerian journalists have been protected and upheld in the past 8 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.”

Adesina said the president also 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.”

TheCable had reported that the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said at least 28 journalists and media workers were harassed and attacked while covering the state and house of assembly elections held on March 18.

Another report also said Nigerian journalists were attacked at least 160 times between 2018 and 2020.