The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has called for global peace and world that shows the universal language of love.
The Chairman of the forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed made the call in a statement by the forum Director-General, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, in Abuja on Friday, to mark World Press Freedom Day.
Mohammed called for the unconditional release of journalists that were imprisoned.
He advocated a comprehensive strategy that enhanced freedom of speech as well as journalists’ protection, and addressed the challenges facing them.
The chairman, while raising awareness on freedom of the press, advised governments to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.
“In line with the 2024 theme dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis, we unequivocally mention that journalists play a crucial role in reporting on contemporary environmental issues.
“Environmental issues such as climate change, supply-chain problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, and more; as ensuring the visibility of these issues is essential for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide.
“We are also compelled as a matter of great importance to point out that journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating accurate information.
“We thus propose a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges, including protecting them, ensuring freedom of expression, promoting media diversity, and fostering media and information literacy programmes.”
Mohammed prayed for a world that shares the universal language of love. (NAN)
