Rivers NUJ Ready To Tackle Police Over Attack on Journalists

Edith CHUKU

Aggrieved by the recent attacks on its members while on duty, the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Rivers State council has demanded for an unreserved apology from the State Police command within 14 days.

NUJ also demanded that all the officials involved in the condemnable act be brought to book.

The union warned that if the Police failed to apologize for the assault, their activities would be boycotted by journalists in the state.

This was contained in a statement by the state NUJ Chairman, Mr Paul Bazia and Secretary, Ijeoma Tubosia.

The council condemned in strong terms the treatment meted out to some of its colleagues by men of the Police command on Monday, April 7.

They described the assault on Charles Opurum of Channels Television, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria/Info, Ikezam Godswill of AIT and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM as unprovoked, barbaric, inhuman and a violation of their rights.

According to them, “the four members of the NUJ were tear gassed by the Police while carrying out their legitimate duties of covering a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt.

“Mr Opurum was even arrested and detained for a period of time by the security agents.

“The NUJ regrets that a security agency paid to protect lives and property could turn itself into a monster terrorising innocent citizens, particularly Journalists in the State.”

NUJ further warned that “any further assault on journalists in the State would be vehemently resisted by the NUJ.

“NUJ as a watchdog of the society will not fold its arms and watch any arm of security agencies in the State descend to barbarism and brutalisation of innocent citizens, let alone media practitioners. Enough is enough.

“However, NUJ shall remain partners in the onerous task of contributing to the development of our country, while it believes that the police should not soil the subsisting relationship and partnership between them and the journalists in Rivers State.”