Atiku Spokesperson Task Journalists To Be Responsible Watchdogs

The Freedom of the Press is the freedom of all of humanity from its origin. This is generally accepted to have begun with the defence of John Peter Zenger against libel charges in 1735, as the cornerstone of American press freedom.

After the American Revolution, several states in the United States provided for freedom of the press, in the First Amendment (1791).

We have come a long way, but more than ever, there is a need for even more vigilance to ensure that freedom is protected. But with freedom comes great responsibility, and it cannot be overemphasised in the era of social media and its attendant challenges of unsubstantiated, unverified, sometimes outright false information passed on as news.

As we celebrate this year’s Press Freedom amid the global challenge, it is appropriate to thank the gentlemen of the press for all their support and good works. Also, we must all take proper precautions to be much more careful with information. If in doubt, leaving it out seems like an excellent way to reduce the urge to run with anything and everything.

Let us all try to make the world an easier place, and it starts with us. Freedom for the Press is safety for us all.

Segun Showunmi