The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos  has urged the Nigerian media not to rest on its oars in monitoring governance and making governments at all levels properly accountable to the people as envisaged by section 22 of the constitution.

In particular, IPC said the media should help to set a firm agenda against increasing acts of impunity in the country.

The organization made the call as it joins the rest of the world to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day on May 3 as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 to celebrate the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and press freedom.

In statement by the organization on this year’s theme: “Media Freedom for a Better Future:  Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda”, IPC Director, Mr. Lanre  Arogundade said media freedom cannot be separated from the freedom of the people.

“This is the more reason why the Nigerian media should deploy all investigative tools and embark on all necessary campaigns and advocacy to ensure the freedom of the latest victims of impunity in our society – the over 200 Chibok school-girls being held in un-deserved captivity in Borno State”, Mr. Arogundade said.

“Impunity has become the order of the day as huge budgetary allocations for the nation’s development are not accounted for. For example it is both saddening and disheartening that in spite of special budgetary allocation to fight terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria, as well as huge security votes by the executives, the tide seems un-abating especially with the brazen manner with which the insurgents are now operating, bombing and kidnapping at will” he explained.

Mr. Arogundade however said that for the media to effectively carry out the expected responsibilities, the journalists must be adequately empowered and protected.

According to him, media organizations should always be willing to strengthen the capacity of practitioners through various development programs.  They should also ensure the safety of journalists in the course of performing their duties through adequate remuneration and enhance welfare packages including insurance policies, said the IPC Director.

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