By Our Correspondent
Leshi Bagauda Kaltho, daughter of the Nigerian Journalist who went missing in a mysterious circumstance in 1996, has said the death of journalists like her Dad who paid the ultimate price in the course of their duty should not be in vain.
Leshi stated this on Thursday 19 Sept 2024 at the 6th Bagauda Kaltho Lecture organised by the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) to posthumously mark her father’s birthday.
The daughter called on the Attorney General of the Federation to act on the judgment of the Abuja Federal High Court directing the reopening of investigation and prosecution of the killings of several journalists including her Dad.
This, she said, would provide much needed relief to the families of slain journalists and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria.
Leshi expressed hope that One day the mystery surrounding her father’s death and those responsible would be uncovered and brought to justice.
The daughter commended the AMDF for posthumously celebrating her father’s birthday. “Although I was young when he was gruesomely murdered, Iam grateful that AMDF has taken upon itself to immortalize him with this event. My family and I deeply appreciate this gesture. I also want to take this moment to thank those who have stood by and supported us through the years”, She said.
Commenting on the Lecture which focused on Press Freedom, Leshi, a Youth Corp Journalist, was of the opinion that press freedom in Nigeria was not just about protecting journalists, but also safeguarding democracy and ensuring that every Nigerian has the right to be informed. “It is about ensuring that the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, is never hidden from the public,” She emphasized.
Leshi said though the role of journalists is protected by the Nigerian Constitution, the reality on the ground often tells a different story adding that they work under challenging conditions and in some cases in fear for their lives.
She recalled the recent #EndBadGovernance protest where at least 56 journalists were harassed, arrested, detained and assaulted, an indication that journalists are not yet where they should be as a country.