Press Freedom Day: Transparency makes democracy better ― Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has stressed his commitment to the ideas of press freedom as he noted that democracy is better under an atmosphere of transparency.

In a message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every May 3, President Buhari reiterated the commendation he extended to the Nigerian media in his last two broadcasts to the country, applauding the good work they have done, and are still doing, as the nation confronts the unseen enemy called COVID-19.

“On the part of government, the President pledges a recommitment to the ideals of freedom of the press, noting that democracy thrives better in an atmosphere of transparency, as opposed to opacity,” he said.

Noting the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic, he stressed the importance of the role of the media in informing the population, saying: “We cannot overemphasize the role of the media in keeping people informed and educated on the pernicious virus, which has no friend or foe. It simply seeks to mow down anyone and everyone in its path, and public awareness is very important, lest we become like sitting ducks. The media are doing this quite effectively.”

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He applauded the role the Nigerian media have played thus far, and charged that they continue, “till we get to safe harbour, when the world, and our country are finally free of this greatest health challenge in recent history.”

Reflecting on the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020, “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation,” President Buhari opined that Nigeria has a very unhealthy dose of disinformation, fake news, hate news, purveyed by people who use media platforms, particularly the digital variant.

According to him: “They don’t mean well for us, and no country can afford to close its eyes to the evil disinformation can cause. In a plural polity like ours, it has the potential to rupture relationships, sow seeds of discord, and set on the path of destabilisation. When fake and hate news are added unabashedly, it can only signpost doom. I urge the Press to use the occasion of World Press Freedom Day to see how this can be vigorously tackled.”

A statement issued by  Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday, also quoted President Buhari as saying: “We appreciate the cooperation we have enjoyed from the media in tackling the Coronavirus, and look forward to same, post COVID-19, when all hands must be on deck to repair the damages done to our economic and social lives.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE