The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state police command to apologise to the union or risk boycott of its activities by the union following the assault of journalists by the police.
The NUJ issued the ultimatum following the attacks 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 by police officers.
A statement signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the union, Paul Bazia and Ijeoma Tubosia, respectively, on Tuesday, described the assault as “unprovoked, barbaric, inhumane and a violation of their rights.”
The NUJ condemned the action of the police in tear-gassing the four journalists while carrying out their legitimate duties of covering a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
“Mr. Opurum was even arrested and detained for a while 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.
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“The NUJ, therefore, demands an unreserved apology from the Rivers State Police Command within 14 days for the assault against the journalists or risk its activities being boycotted by journalists in the state.
“The council also demands that all the officials involved in the condemnable act be brought to book,” the statement said.
The council warned that any further assault on journalists in the state will be resisted by the NUJ, adding that as a watchdog of the society, it won’t fold its arms and watch security agencies in the state descend to barbarism and brutalisation of innocent citizens, let alone media practitioners.
The union, however, restated its resolve to remain partners in the onerous task of contributing to the development of the country, believing that the police should not soil the subsisting relationship and partnership between them and the journalists in Rivers State.
