Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised traditional and social media citizen journalists for playing the watchdog role in the management of the country’s affairs despite opposition from the government.
Atiku remarked this in commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebrated every May 3.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every May 3rd to highlight the fundamental principles of press freedom and support journalists who risk their lives for truth.
Atiku, in a post on his X handle, said: “#WorldPressFreedomDay, I join the rest of the world to celebrate the work of all traditional and social media citizen journalists as well as other media professionals who work on behalf of Nigerian citizens to expose truths, even in the face of government adversity. The fourth estate of the realm as the watchdog of society in Nigeria has always been at the forefront of holding the government accountable, all through the days of the military regimes and even now. I painfully acknowledge the challenges and threats faced by our pen-fighters and use this opportunity to reaffirm my eternal commitment to press freedom and the safety of all journalists across all spheres and especially the internet which is fast becoming a major medium of journalistic operations. To all journalists who have paid the ultimate price in the battle to enthrone and sustain democracy and for a better society, be assured that your sacrifices will not be in vain. To all journalists and on behalf of all my associates and supporters, I say thank you for your sacrifices, thank you for your service, and I will always stand in solidarity with you.”