By: Joy Odor/Kaduna
The Senator, representing Kaduna Central of Kaduna State, Comrade Shehu Sani has donated vehicles of different types worth N4.2 million to two journalists in the State.
Presenting the keys of the vehicles to the two journalists, the Special Adviser on Political Matter to Senator Shehu Sani, Mallam Suleiman Ahmed, said the attack on Journalists in Kaduna is worrisome, saying the situation has proved beyond doubt that journalists are no more secured in the State.
Speaking at the NUJ Secretariat while presenting the gifts to the beneficiaries Mr. Suleiman said” Journalists are expected to be selfless in the discharge of their duties without fear or favour.”
“It will be recalled that on the 30th of July 2017, sponsored thugs invaded your premises while a press conference was ongoing. That act had sent bad signal for our democracy, our state and our country.
“It’s regrettable that 18years of democratic rule, some bad elements in our clime still find it difficult to tolerate dissenting views. We cannot build any future for our children as long as we cannot imbibe the spirit of tolerance.
“It’s an incontrovertible fact that where the press is not free no one is free and where the press is free everyone is free, Free press and rights to expression are indispensable ingredients of a democratic state. Those who chose the path of violence or persecution to stifle dissent or silence the media have no space or future in a democratic society.
“The change agenda of the ruling party and government in the country must include respect for fundamental human rights and civil liberties.
“Journalists in Kaduna must stand for the truth and the ethics of their profession. The media played a major role in our struggle against military rule, you must never compromised or be cowed by any politician or public office holder whose ambition or position cannot be guaranteed in an atmosphere of free press.
“Journalists must not reduce themselves to a public relations officer of people in Government. Politicians will come and go the press will be with humanity for eternity. Journalists must resist divisions and distractions and deceptions”.
Mallam Suleiman urged Kaduna Journalists not to allow the ugly situation to deter them following the humiliation and harassment from people in the position of authority.
”We must all stand up against hate speech and we must all stand up against those hiding behind hate speech in order to silence free speech.”
The beneficiaries are Lawal Mohammed of Liberty Television who sustained vital injuries during the attack was given Toyota Corolla LE 2015 model worth 2.7 million and Mr. Luka Binniyat who is currently in prison was given Peugeot 206 which was received by the Chairman of Council Adamu Yusuf, on his behalf.
