The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, (SAN), yesterday, expressed Federal Government’s commitment towards ending impunity for crimes against journalists in the country.
Malami gave the assurance at a policy dialogue on the protection of journalists to mark the 2021 International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists. The parley was organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the European Union, and the Managing Conflict in Nigeria, (MCN), programme.
In a keynote address, the AGF restated the Federal Government’s laudable initiatives to end impunity and crimes against journalists.
He stressed that Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy that guarantees freedom of expression, thereby providing a conducive atmosphere and veritable platforms that enable Nigerians to express their inalienable fundamental rights to unhindered ventilation of opinions.
Malami insisted that the Federal Government has provided an enabling environment for journalism to thrive, and therefore appealed to journalists to desist from sensational reports that could threaten public peace.
As the Chief-Law Officer of the country, the AGF said he is determined to uphold the constitutionally saddled responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law and bringing to an end the issue of impunity for crime in all ramifications”.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice and Solicitor-General of the Federation Mohammed Umar, condemned all forms of crimes perpetrated against journalists in view of their roles in the ‘development of our fledgling democracy’.
The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Gombe, Prof. Umaru Pate, delivered a lead presentation on: “Ending Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in Nigeria”.
Representatives of the European Union, the Minister of Information, National Programme Manager, MCN, Prof Muhammadu Tabiu, etc gave goodwill messages at the event.
