Ahead the nationwide hunger protest planned for August 1-10, 2024, the International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, under the “IPC SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS INITIATIVE” on Wednesday, July 31, sent out precautionary measures and a helpline for journalists during incidents of attacks or harassment while covering the protests.
Speaking through a press release
Journalists were called on to contact the IPC Safety Alert Desk Helpline on “08132776441” as well as connect with the press freedom officer, Mr Melody Akinjiyan through [email protected]
The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the admonition to journalists became necessary in the light of previous experiences where journalists were assaulted in the course of doing their legitimate duty.
“We urge all journalists and media practitioners who will be on the field to cover the anticipated nation-wide protests to adopt and implement safety measures while carrying out their activities professionally.
“Journalists who are to cover the protests should ensure that they are fully kitted and have their identification card clearly displayed in order to avoid situations wherein security agencies may mistake them as protesters and avoid a situation that would make the security agencies to question them, unduly harass, or bar them from performing their duties.”
He enjoined stakeholders, and especially security agencies to undertake the performance of their tasks in a civil and responsible manner.
“The security forces should note that the media plays a critical role in the information dissemination chain and are obligated to professionally carry out their task in reporting societal events, hence they be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations. The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries.”
Arogundade stated that IPC was also calling on the public, including protesters, to recognise the crucial role the media plays by protecting and supporting them as they report critical events during the protest.
The planned protests, according to the organisers, is scheduled to hold across the thirty-six (36) states of Nigeria and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), and it is aimed at pushing for transformative change, an equitable society with effective leadership, affordable food leading to zero hunger and reduced cost of living.
