The Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami ( SA n Thursday said that the Federal Government was opened to criticisms , particularly those targeted at providing solution to existing societal challenges.
According him , the regime of the President Muhammadu Buhari has contributed to media freedom in the country , which was why Nigeria was classified as the only country that has exited the list of countries with impunity for crimes against journalists as reflected in the 2020 report of the Committee to Protect Journalists.
The AGF represented by his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu , stated this during the annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, with the theme, “ The role of the Judiciary in achieving good democratic governance . ”
Malami said , “ I must say clearly that this government is not against criticism from the citizenry and stakeholders. The government is indeed, open to constructive and objective criticisms where appropriate solutions are proffered . This , we consider as an integral part of good governance .
“ The media, having done so much to ensure the enthronement of democracy , successes recorded in the whistle -blower policy , the fight against corruption and good governance generally , must take some steps forward in giving adequate protection to democracy through objectivity and deep sense of patriotism.
“ The media and indeed, the entire Nigerians should therefore put in their best to continue to give maximum support and understanding to the government in the quest to make life more meaningful to all . ”
Other Speakers, including Michael Ikechukwu Nduchebe , Ajibola Afolabi and Shamsuddeen Abdulrahman , all scholars at the National Judicial Institute, advocate an enhanced collaboration between the media and Judiciary to strengthen the nation ’ s democracy.
