Rivers NUJ to Police: Apologise or Face Media Blackout
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Police Command to tender a public apology over the assault on five journalists during a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt or risk a statewide media blackout.
OTN News further reports that the state NUJ who issued this warning in a statement jointly signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, and Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, condemned the actions of the police officers involved, demanding their immediate identification and prosecution.
According to the body, “the NUJ, as a watchdog of society, will not sit idly by while media practitioners are subjected to barbarism and brutality. Enough is enough,” the statement warned, noting that any further attack on journalists in the state would be “vehemently resisted.”
The union described the incident as “unprovoked, barbaric, and inhuman,” saying it amounted to a gross violation of the rights of the affected journalists.
OTN News observes that those assaulted include Charles Opurum of Channels TV, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info, Ikezam Godswill of AIT, and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM.
The body alleged that the journalists were tear-gassed while covering the protest, with serious beaten, and detained by security operatives.
Expressing deep regret over the incident, the NUJ lamented that an institution tasked with safeguarding lives and property has turned its weapons on citizens, particularly journalists performing their lawful duties.
OTN News observes that despite the provocation, the union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and partnership with the police in the interest of peace and national development.
The body, however, cautioned the police not to jeopardise the existing relationship with the media, urging its members to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing hope that the police authorities would take decisive steps to address the matter and ensure a more respectful working relationship with journalists in Rivers State. Channels TV
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