By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Executive Director of the Media Rights Agenda, Mr Edetaen Ojo, on Wednesday, advised journalists to arm themselves with appropriate laws in order to combat the incessant attacks on journalists.
He gave the admonition at the day-one of the two-day workshop on “Laws and Regulations Affecting the Media” organized for journalists selected from various states at the Bridge Waters Hotel, Enugu.
The workshop was organized by the Media Rights Agenda with support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability (CMEDIA) Project.
The workshop, according to Mr Ojo, is aimed at sensitizing participating journalists on national laws and policies that guide media practice, as well as regional and international instruments on the safety of journalists.
He also mentioned that knowing the laws guiding the media can protect journalists from legal risks such as defamation laws, the law of sedition and others.
“As you all know, the media landscape is rapidly evolving, not just in Nigeria but around the world.
“However, in the present context of Nigeria, we are witnessing a relentless and ever increasing onslaught on journalists and the media, in many cases, through the misuse and abuse of the Law.
“In a world where the lines between freedom of expression and legal liabilities are often blurred, as journalists, you must arm yourselves, not only with facts, but also with the legal knowledge and understanding which can be your armour.
“Understanding the law, therefore, is not just important, it is essential for the pursuit of truth and justice.
“Knowing the law helps to protect you as a journalist from legal risks.
“In Nigeria, you could easily face criminal charges brought against you under criminal defamation, the law of sedition, or even for violating national security laws.
“Being well-informed about these legal boundaries can help you as a journalist to avoid unnecessary brushes with the law, thereby allowing you to carry out your duties safely and confidently.
“Our ultimate goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the legal landscape confidently and competently.
“We believe that a well-informed media sector is better positioned to serve the public interest and uphold the principles that will ensure that our democracy continues to thrive,” he said.
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