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WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY - MAY 3, 1995
Nigeria is joining the rest of the world today to mark the
World Press Freedom Day, a day set aside by the United Nations to
commemorate the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles
drawn up by journalists in Windhoek, Namibia on May 3, 1991.
Regrettably, the Nigerian government has made no deliberate
effort to give effect to the 19 resolutions and principles contained in
that declaration which has become a reference point for press freedom
worldwide.
As a group dedicated to the course of press freedom in
Nigeria and the realization of the Windhoek declaration, the Media Rights
Agenda is concerned that the conditions under which journalists practice
in Nigeria have deteriorated steadily.
As at today, about 20 newspaper and magazine titles remain
banned and hundreds of journalists employed by them rendered jobless.
Scores of other journalists have oppressive criminal charges pending
against them in different courts.
On this occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the MRA
salutes the courage and perseverance of these journalists who have
remained steadfast inspite of the increasingly harsh environment.
The MRA uses this occasion to call on the Military
authorities to remove all the obstacles which inhibit Press Freedom, and
re-open. The proscribed newspapers and magazines published by the
Guardian, the Punch and The Concord groups.
TIVE DENEDO
NATIONAL SECRETARY |
