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| Rt. Hon. Dr. Davies Etta Member representing Abi state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly |
The member representing Abi State constituency in the Cross-River state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta has said that Freedom of the press is sacrosanct in a democratic setting as there can be no democracy without a free press.
Ettah in a statement to mark the 30th edition of International Press Freedom Day, called on all arms of government to ensure a free press adding that a free press is the beauty of democracy. According to him, just as the constitution made room for the independency of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary arms of government, it is also expected that the fourth arm which is the press is totally independent and free from all forms of attacks , oppression and gagging.
He however, lamented a situation where the press has been suppressed and oppressed instead of being celebrated. He said those in authority world over should use today to reflect on gains of democracy which was achieved through the efforts of journalist who have constantly ensured that they keep politicians and leaders on tract.
The medical Doctor turned politician said any government without a free press could not be called a democracy. He went further to query politicians who sell their campaign promises to the masses using the press only to immediately bully the press on assumption of office.
“Today is world Press Freedom Day, I want to join all good men of conscience across the globe to strongly call for a free press. A press that’s free to express itself without any form of harassment, cohesion and intimidation. The beauty of democracy is a free press, there can be no democracy without a free press. The independency of the press just as all other arms of government is very crucial for any meaningful development to take place in any society.” He said.
The second term lawmaker was quick to add that in as much as the independency of the press is crucial it is very important that it’s activities are regulated to avoid misinformation, fake news and all other forms of ill practices, especially with the advent of social media.
Recall that in 1993, the United Nations had set aside 3rd May to celebrate journalist while demanding for freedom of the press. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.