The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has strongly condemned the alleged assault on its Secretary, Comra...
Bello, who is the Sokoto correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was reportedly assaulted while covering a solidarity rally organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Aliyu and other APC candidates. The rally terminated at the Government House, Sokoto.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, the Council said Bello was assaulted despite presenting his NAN and NUJ identification cards at the gallery designated for journalists.
He was allegedly manhandled and forcefully removed from the area, with his clothes torn, mobile phone damaged and injuries sustained on his legs, hands and other parts of his body.
The Council described the incident as unacceptable and disturbing, saying it constitutes a serious violation of press freedom and the fundamental right of journalists to perform their lawful duties without intimidation or harassment.
"The Council is particularly concerned about the conduct of the security personnel, given the vital role journalists play in keeping the public informed and promoting transparency and accountability," Binji said.
The NUJ emphasised that journalists are not political opponents or participants in political rallies, but professionals discharging their constitutional responsibility of gathering and disseminating information in the public interest.
It therefore called on the Sokoto State Government and relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the matter and ensure those found culpable are held accountable.
The Council also demanded adequate medical attention and appropriate compensation for its Secretary for the injuries sustained and property damaged, while calling for assurances that such incidents will not recur.
"We urge the state government to issue clear directives to security personnel attached to Government House and other public institutions to respect media practitioners and provide a safe and conducive environment for them to work," the statement added.
The NUJ Sokoto State Council reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of journalists, defence of press freedom and promotion of democratic values, warning that it will not condone any act of violence or intimidation against journalists on lawful duty.
"Any attack on a journalist performing a lawful duty is an attack on the public's right to know," the Council declared.
No comments