NUJ Urges Authorities to Stop Harassing Journalists, Respect Media Rights

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the recent harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The NUJ stated that these acts were perpetrated by both “state and non-state actors.”

The condemnation was issued in a statement released to news men on Sunday, August 4, 2024, by the NUJ’s National Secretary, Achike Chude.

The statement emphasized that despite these challenges, “journalists will neither be cowed nor deterred from fulfilling their responsibilities of engaging with society to inform, enlighten, and educate citizens to promote the public good.”

The statement noted, “Following the widespread protests on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, 2024, Nigerian journalists were actively involved in covering these events. Unfortunately, they faced significant intimidation, harassment, and the seizure of both official and personal assets, perpetrated by both state and non-state actors.”

The NUJ highlighted several incidents of harassment:

In Lagos, News Central Television journalist Bernard Akede was prevented from conducting live interviews by police officers and LCC officials.

In Calabar, Cross River State, hoodlums attacked journalists, severely injuring Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi and targeting a bus carrying food supplies for the Ernest Etim Press Centre.

In Abuja, Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested, and his mobile phone was confiscated by police officers. He was released after other journalists protested.

Olukayode Jayeola of The PUNCH Newspaper was arrested and had his camera, phones, and other belongings seized by police while covering the protest at Eagle Square.

Ibrahim Isah of TVC News in Kano State was physically attacked by armed hoodlums, resulting in hand injuries.

Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was assaulted by police officers with gun butts and batons, resulting in head injuries. His camera equipment was also damaged.

Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was exposed to teargas while reporting on the protests in Abuja.

Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch was arrested, beaten, and detained by police in Calabar.

In Delta State, journalists including Prince Amour Udemude, Matthew Ochei of PUNCH Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper, and Lucy from Pointer were assaulted by counter-protesters, resulting in damaged equipment.

Nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested in Maiduguri while reporting on the protests.

The NUJ has called for a thorough investigation into these incidents and is compiling a list of lost, seized, or damaged assets to determine their value. The union demands a public apology from the responsible institutions and the replacement of the journalists’ lost or damaged assets.

The planned 10-day protests, running from August 1-10, 2024, aim to address issues including the high cost of governance, living expenses, and rising food prices.