By CrossRiverWatch Admin
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The Association of Cross River Online Journalists, ACROJ, has called on journalists to continue to “keep the world informed and expose ills in the society.”
In a statement released by the Association, signed by the Chairman, Comrade Edem Darlington, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Gloria Umo, the group lauded the Federal Government and the Cross River State Government for recognizing their error and dropping all charges against journalists who have stood trial for various charges in the State.
The statement reads in part: “As journalists across the globe celebrate World Press Freedom Day 2022 with the Theme: ‘Journalism under digital siege’ ACROJ commends journalists who have a stake so much to keep the world informed and expose various ills in the society.
“ACROJ also lauds the Federal Government of Nigeria and Cross River State Government for dropping all charges against journalists who have stood trial for various charges in the State.
“The celebration serves as a reminder to Governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of Press Freedom and professional ethics.”
The union states that this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme spotlights the multiple ways in which journalism is endangered by surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks.
ACROJ seizes the opportunity the day affords to recall the dismissal of all charges against her Board of Trustees Chairman, Citizen Agba Jalingo by the Cross River State Government, on the 21st Day of March 2022.
The statement further reads: “We commend the State Government for acknowledging that they made a grave error in arresting Mr. Jalingo and other members of ACROJ.
“The association also lauds journalists who risk their lives daily in the course of executing their duty, urging them to keep up the courage and maintain professional ethics to ensure that the public is furnished with credible information on a consistent basis.
“As the union continues to tow the path of truth, justice and fairness, we also call for continued synergy with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the fulfillment of a decent society.”
World Press Freedom Day is an annual celebration of Press Freedom, observed on 3 May every year.
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