Some members of the House of Representatives over the weekend called for better welfare and protection for journalists to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.
The lawmakers, who are chairmen of committees of the house, made the call during an end of year get-together and award ceremony organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja.
Chairman, House of Committee on Power, Magaji Da’u Aliyu, expressed regret over the manner in which journalists are treated in Nigeria despite the importance of their work.
He said if not for the leadership quality of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, the height attained by the House would not have been possible.
He commended the Press Corps for keeping the lawmakers on their toes, adding, “if you know that there are people watching you, that would make you do the right thing.”
The spokesman of the House, Benjamin Kalu, lauded the Press Corps for its efforts in strengthening democracy.