Veteran journalist criticises State Assembly’s move to enact anti-media law
He urged journalists and media organisations to challenge the bill, if the lawmakers insisted on passing it.
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Igwe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Owerri on Thursday that the action of the house would stall free flow of information, adding that any plan to censor journalists would negate the essence of the profession.
“It is an aberration for lawmakers to dictate how journalists should practise their profession."
“Besides, it is already guided by the constitution of the nation.”
NAN recalls that the Deputy Speaker of Imo Assembly, Mr. Ugonna Ozuruigbo (APC- Nwangele) sponsored the media bill before the house.
Part of the draft recommended that journalists should be censored, to avert libelous publications.
The bill, which has passed second reading in the house, is already generating a lot of negative reactions from the public.
Igwe, a member of Veteran Journalists Association in Imo, described the bill as anti-media, and urged lawmakers never to allow it scale through.
“It is an unusual practice that a journalist should be restricted in the practice of his his profession due to the selfish interest of politicians.”
Meanwhile, Igwe advised journalists to always adhere to the professional code of ethics.
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