PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has denounced the attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria
protests, calling for an immediate end to harassment and intimidation.
Both “state and non-state actors,” according to the union, carried out these acts.
Mr. Achike Chude, NUJ National Secretary, said this in a statement obtained by Persecondnews on Sunday, August 4, in Abuja.
The statement assured that despite these condemnable acts, “journalists will neither be cowed nor deterred from carrying out their responsibilities of engaging with society to inform, enlighten, and educate citizens to promote the public good.”
“Following the series of protests that rocked many parts of the country on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, 2024, Nigerian journalists went out in their numbers as required by the demands of the profession to cover the events.
“Unfortunately, the hydra-headed monster of journalist intimidation, harassment, and the seizure of both official and personal assets of members of the press reared its ugly head once more. These acts were carried out by both state and non-state actors.
“This sordid and unacceptable state of affairs, especially those perpetrated by state actors, is occurring despite various conscious efforts by the NUJ to engage government officials and security forces to address these anti-democratic behaviours by those responsible for maintaining law and order,” the NUJ said.
Police officers and LCC officials in Lagos State blocked a journalist, Mr. Bernard Akede from News Central Television, from conducting live interviews, according to the union.
In Calabar, Cross River State, “hoodlums” attacked journalists, leaving Nigerian Tribune reporter Mr. Joseph Abasi-Abasi with severe injuries.
The statement said: “The assailants targeted a bus belonging to the NUJ that was carrying food supplies to the Ernest Etim Press Centre.
“In Abuja, Daily Independent photojournalist Mr. Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his mobile phone confiscated by police officers while covering protests. He was only released following a spontaneous protest by other journalists.
“In Abuja, Mr. Olukayode Jayeola, a photojournalist with The PUNCH Newspaper, was arrested by police while covering the protest at Eagle Square. His camera, phones, including an M11, and other personal belongings were confiscated by security operatives.
“That Mr. Ibrahim Isah, a TVC News journalist in Kano State, was brutally assaulted by armed thugs, resulting in hand injuries.
“In Abuja, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was brutally assaulted by police officers, who struck him with gun butts and batons, causing head injuries.
“Mrs. Mary Adeboye, a journalist with News Central Television, was exposed to tear gas fired by police officers while reporting on the protest in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Another journalist, Mr. Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch, was “arrested, beaten, and detained by police in Calabar before being released.”
Also in Delta State, some journalists came under attack by counter-protesters, allegedly supporting the government, while covering the demonstration.
Prince Amour Udemude, an investigative journalist, Mr. Matthew Ochei of PUNCH newspaper, Mr. Monday Osayande of Guardian newspaper; and Lucy, a reporter with Pointer, were assaulted and had their equipment destroyed.
Furthermore, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested at RNI offices in Maiduguri while reporting on the protests, among others.
The union demands a thorough investigation into these incidents and states that it is currently cataloguing the lost, seized, or damaged assets of journalists to determine their value.
The union said it expected a public apology from the responsible institutions, as well as restitution for the lost or damaged assets.
“Nigeria is supposed to be a country of law and order. We expect no less in terms of professional conduct from officials who are maintained with state resources.”
The 10-day protest, scheduled to run from August 1–10, 2024, aims to bring to the government’s attention grievances such as excessive governance costs, soaring living expenses for citizens, and escalating food prices, among others.
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