#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: NUJ Condemns Harassment of Journalists, Demands an End to Intimidation

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the recent harassment and intimidation faced by journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The union highlighted that these acts were perpetrated by both state and non-state actors.

In a statement released on Sunday, August 4, 2024, NUJ’s National Secretary, Achike Chude, affirmed that despite these attacks, journalists remain committed to their role of informing and educating the public.

The statement read, “Following the nationwide protests on August 1 and 2, 2024, journalists across the country faced significant challenges. Reports of intimidation, harassment, and the seizure of equipment by various actors have surfaced.”

The NUJ detailed several incidents:

– In Lagos, News Central Television journalist Bernard Akede was obstructed by police and LCC officials while trying to conduct live interviews.
– In Calabar, Cross River State, hoodlums attacked journalists, resulting in severe injuries to Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi.
– In Abuja, Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his phone confiscated. Similarly, Olukayode Jayeola of The PUNCH had his equipment seized by police.
– Kano State saw TVC News journalist Ibrahim Isah physically attacked by armed hoodlums.
– Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was assaulted by police, sustaining head injuries, while Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was exposed to teargas.

Other reported incidents include the arrest and beating of Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch in Calabar, and assaults on journalists covering protests in Delta State by counter-protesters. Additionally, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale in Maiduguri were arrested while reporting.

The NUJ is calling for a comprehensive investigation into these incidents and demands public apologies and compensation for the lost or damaged equipment of journalists.