The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State Council, has condemned the harassment and physical assault of two journalists, the State Television correspondent, Taiwo Fabajo, and Channels Television crew members, Bidemi Bello and Gbenga Osinuga in the state.
DAILY POST reports that the journalists on Wednesday, accompanied officials of the state government, on an enforcement exercise in the Ogunguandong area of Igbesa when the incident occurred.
In a viral video, the journalists were seen being physically abused and assaulted by private security operatives attached to one of the Chinese companies.
The union, in a statement by its Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, condemned the act, stressing that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional role without intimidation, harassment, assault, or any form of violence.
NUJ called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to book in accordance with the law.
Also, the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria, FIBAN, Ogun State Chapter, and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union, RATTAWU, described the incident as not only disgraceful but a representation of a direct attack on press freedom, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of media practitioners in Nigeria.
The RATTAWU Publicity Secretary, Olakunle Idowu, stated that the unlawful physical assault, intimidation, and harassment of these journalists cannot be swept under the carpet.
He noted that the conduct of the private security operatives is unacceptable, condemnable, punishable, and must not be tolerated in any civilized society.
“No individual or organisation, regardless of status or influence, should be allowed to gag, suppress, intimidate, harass, attack, or threaten media practitioners in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and go unpunished.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. In solidarity, we stand,” Idowu added.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Yinka Folarin, demanded that all persons involved in the assault, including their sponsors, employers and collaborators, be identified, arrested and prosecuted within seven days.
Folarin, in a statement co-signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Adewunmi Adesina, warned that any attempt to shield the perpetrators, suppress evidence, or frustrate investigations will be resisted through all lawful and democratic means available to civil society.
“CDHR calls on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, to immediately commence a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into this incident.
“We demand that all persons involved in the assault, including their sponsors, employers and collaborators, be identified, arrested and prosecuted within seven days from the date of this statement.
“The Ogun State Government must also come clean on the suspicious circumstances that birthed the prevention of a routine enforcement operation leading to the unfortunate incident. Furthermore, the Ogun State Government must unravel and expose all individuals, whether within government circles or outside government, who may have aided, protected or benefited from any fraudulent practices associated with the company and robbing the state of the deserved revenue.
“Should the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services fail to bring the perpetrators to book within the stipulated Seven (7) days, CDHR, in collaboration with allied civil society organizations, labour activists, media stakeholders and democratic forces, shall be compelled to mobilize for peaceful mass actions, including picketing and occupation of the relevant security zone and offices, until justice is served and accountability is ensured.”
