I’ll not tamper with press freedom—Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday promised that his administration would have nothing to do with anybody who dared to tamper with the freedom of the press as enshrined in the constitution.

He said that as a firm believer in the right of the media, he would stop at nothing to ensure that journalists continue to carry out their duties without let or hindrance.

Jonathan made the pledge while declaring open the fourth triennial national delegates’ conference of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Abuja.

The President advised that since all rights come with corresponding responsibility, journalists should learn to put the country first in their reports.

He said, “I am a firm believer in the right and obligation of the media as enshrined in our constitution. I assure you all today that under my leadership, journalists in our country will continue to fully enjoy their constitutional rights and freedom of expression.

“I am also fully convinced that the imperative of sustaining and nurturing our democracy required the existence of the very professional and practitioners of the mass media.

“My administration is conscious of the vital role that the mass media have to play in supporting our transformation agenda and is therefore committed to properly enhance the practice.

“It was in this regard that led to our enactment of the Freedom of Information law to enhance the ability of our dear practitioners to discharge their duties.

“My administration will have nothing to do with those who try to curtail or abuse the right of the mass media.”

While urging media practitioners to ensure that their accounts of events should be fair, balanced and accurate, Jonathan warned against manipulations by politicians and selfish people with sectional motives to the detriment of collective national interest.

He said journalists should make extra efforts to cross check their facts and ensure that only the truth is published.

Jonathan advised media houses against offering platforms to people with questionable character.

He noted that journalists in Nigeria had continued to play an important role in nation building.

The President condemned the recent attacks on media houses by suspected terrorists and commended Nigerian journalists for remaining resolute in spite of the attacks.

He urged media practitioners to continue to foster peace, religious tolerance and harmony in the country.

Jonathan seized the opportunity provided by the programme to deny his reported plan to sack his ministers.