The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the security operatives’ harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the nationwide protests.
The union on Sunday slammed the treatment meted out to reporters in a statement signed by the National Secretary, Achike Chude.
“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,” Chude said.
“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.”
NUJ in the statement called for a thorough investigation into these incidents and said it will continue to compile “a list of official and personal assets of journalists that were either lost, seized, or damaged to determine their value.”
“We expect nothing less than a public apology from the institutions responsible, as well as the replacement of the lost or damaged assets of the journalists.”
“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.”
