In Press Freedom Day message: Nico Halle hails journalists as guardians of truth, pillars of democracy.

In an audio message shared to our newsroom Sunday, Ntumfor Nico Halle who is one of the patrons of the Cameroon Association of English-speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ, described journalists as indispensable custodians of democratic values whose work continues to shape society and strengthen the institutions of freedom.

Felicitating members of the fourth estate on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, Nico Halle declared: “I want to say congratulations to all journalists who have been sacrificing in the construction of the nation, communities, and societies for almost no pay. The ultimate pay will come from God”.

Nico Halle who counts more than 207 awards in his over 30 years of service as a lawyer and peace advocate, noted that the media remains one of democracy’s strongest and most enduring pillars.

He said the media plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens while ensuring that governance remains accountable to the people. 

Nico Halle further acknowledged the sacrifices journalists make daily in pursuit of truth, often under difficult and demanding conditions, stressing that their resilience and dedication remain essential to the health and vitality of democratic society. 

“The media is the only mirror through which you can determine the performance of all three arms of government. And so, for me, while the others call the media the fourth estate, I, over the years, have always called the media as the first estate. The media is an indispensable development tool. The media reinforces democracy and brings the powers that be to be accountable,” Ntumfor said.

He then emphasised that beyond reporting events, journalists serve as moral sentinels whose work inspires civic responsibility, promotes transparency, and advances justice and national unity. 

“When you build integrity, you are building a priceless value. Shun taking part in shady deals. Shun moral decadence in all its form” the senior Barrister-at-law urged.

Celebrating the media’s immense contribution to national development, Ntumfor said the nation remains proud of the vital role journalists continue to play in documenting progress, scrutinising institutions, and helping to build a more accountable and enlightened society. 

He added that the significance of a free and responsible press cannot be overstated, describing it as democracy’s enduring guardian, a shining beacon of truth, and a timeless hope for justice, peace, accountability and enlightened national progress.

Beyond celebrations…

For the Douala-based lawyer, World Press Freedom Day is a momentous celebration not only by ladies and gentlemen of the press but by the entire nation. 

“This is because Thomas Jefferson, the former American president gave a lot of value to the press. He said if he had to choose between the press and the government, he will prefer the pressm” Ntumfor quoted the former US leader.

He regretted that the media in Cameroon and beyond faces intimidation, threats and even elimination “especially when they report on some heinous crimes or wrongdoings by citizenry”.

Ntumfor said his clarion call for men and women of the media on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day “is that they should understand that the truth will set them free. As a journalist, you are building your legacy by the quality report that you disseminate. You are also destroying your legacy when you play into the hands of crooks who use you for their purpose only to dump you in the end. I call on the media to watch out against unscrupulous citizenry”.

He has urged journalists to be bold, courage and have confidence. “Never you yield to intimidation, threats and even to elimination,” he warned, before stating that: “So many people don’t like the truth, so when you tell the truth, you will have very few friends. But I will advise all of you in the media, to always stand for the truth. When you stand for the truth, you are standing for Jesus”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3780 of Tuesday May 05, 2026