Protest: IPC Urges Journalists To Take Safety Precautions
Ahead of Thursday’s nationwide protest against bad governance, the International Press Centre, IPC, has advised journalists and other media professionals to adopt necessary safety measures to avoid attacks.
The protests, according to the organisers, is scheduled to hold across the country from August 1 – 10, 2024.
It is aimed at pushing for a transformative change, more equitable society, effective leadership, affordable food, zero hunger and a reduced cost of living.
The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said in a statement that the advisory was necessary in the light of previous experiences when journalists were assaulted in the course of their legitimate duties.
“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,” Mr. Arogundade said.
“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 added.
He also enjoined other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to carry out 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”, Mr. Arogundade stressed.
The IPC also called 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 organisation had in 2023 launched a safety and professional advisory to ensure that journalists covering events are fully equipped with safety tools while on the field.
“In cases of any incident of attacks or harassment that journalist encounter while covering the protests they can reach us through IPC’s Safety Alert Desk Helpline – 08132776441,” he added
