THE Executive Committee of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria has condemned in the strongest terms, the attacks on ThisDay newspapers in Abuja; and ThisDay, Sun and The Moment newspapers in Kaduna on Thursday, April 26, 2012 by a group often referred to as Boko Haram and its threat of more attacks on other media houses.

From left: Publisher Vanguard Newspaper,Mr. Sam Amuka; General Secretary, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, Mrs. Comfort Obi; former Presiden, NPAN, Alhaji Ismaila Isa; Chairman /Editor in Chief This Day Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman, Daily Trust Newspaper, Mr. Kabir Yusuf; during the visit of members of NPAN to the bombed This Day Office in Abuja,Saturday.

In a communique issued at the end of its emergency meeting in Abuja on Saturday, May 5, 2012 which deliberated on the bombing of the newspaper houses,NPAN said it “views the attacks and the threats of more attacks as an assault on the freedom of expression and free speech and resolves that the press will not be intimidated or cowed in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility”.

The communique signed by its Executive Secretary, Mr Feyi Smith stated:

•That the NPAN expresses its solidarity with the affected media houses and extends its most profound condolences to families of the victims

•That the NPAN is seriously concerned about the worsening state of insecurity in the country and urges the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to take every necessary action to give meaning and expression to its basic constitutional responsibility of protecting life and property

•That in the light of the deteriorating security situation in the country, the NPAN has resolved to engage with the leadership of the security agencies to find solutions and to explore new ideas for resolving the challenges of insecurity facing all of us

•That the media and all well-meaning Nigerians should continue to do all they can to pull the nation back from the brink by promoting national healing, understanding, accountability and justice

•Finally, we thank the people of Nigeria and the international community for their solidarity, support and fortitude.