The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, attributing these actions to both “state and non-state actors.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 4, 2024, by NUJ National Secretary Achike Chude and made available to PUNCH Online, the union emphasized that such acts will not deter journalists from their duty to inform, enlighten, and educate the public.
“Despite these condemnable acts, journalists will neither be cowed nor deterred from carrying out their responsibilities of engaging with society to promote the public good,” the statement read.
The NUJ detailed several incidents of harassment and intimidation. In Lagos, News Central Television journalist Bernard Akede was interrupted and barred 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 to the Ernest Etim Press Centre.
In Abuja, Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his mobile phone confiscated by police officers while covering protests.
He was released after a spontaneous protest by fellow journalists.
Similarly, Olukayode Jayeola, a photojournalist with The PUNCH Newspaper, was arrested and had his equipment confiscated by police at Eagle Square.
The NUJ also reported that TVC News journalist Ibrahim Isah was physically attacked by armed hoodlums in Kano State, sustaining hand injuries.
In Abuja, Premium Times journalist Yakubu Mohammed was brutally assaulted by police officers, who struck him with gun butts and batons, causing head injuries.
Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was exposed to tear gas fired by police while covering the protests in the Federal Capital Territory.
In Calabar, Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch was arrested, beaten, and detained by police before being released.
In Delta State, counter-protesters attacked journalists, including Prince Amour Udemude, Matthew Ochei of PUNCH Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper, and Lucy, a reporter with Pointer, destroying their equipment.
Nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested at their Maiduguri offices 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.
“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,” the union demanded.
“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,” the NUJ stated.
The planned 10-day protests, set to take place from August 1-10, 2024, aim to address issues such as the high cost of governance, the high cost of living for citizens, and rising food prices.
