The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and the Nigerian National Committee of International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria, have lend their voices, strongly condemning attacks molestation of journalists during the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest across the country.
There have been reported cases of attacks by officers of the Nigerian police force on journalists covering the nationwide protest, provoking condemnation from both citizens and social organizations.
One of such attacks include the harassment of the News Central TV reporter, Benard Akede who was allegedly interrupted by Police officers, barring him and other journalists from interviewing anyone during a live broadcast in Lagos.
A statement jointly signed by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed and its Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi noted that it is the constitutional duty of journalists to cover the protests, therefore, should not be attacked while carrying out their duties.
The statement read in part: “While we recognize the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order, it is also the responsibility of journalists to inform the public of happenings in the country.
“Law enforcement agencies are also duty bound to protect journalists. In this regard, we call on the police to investigate attacks on journalists covering the protests. We also demand that journalists be protected from attacks.”
Listing the series of attacks on journalists, the statement noted that: “In Kano, a vehicle belonging to Channels Television and conveying about eleven journalists was vandalized. The journalists were traumatized, and one of them, Ibrahim Isah, of TVC was assaulted.
“Also, in Kano, another vehicle belonging to Premier Radio was also attacked. A car belonging to Cool/Wazobia/Arewa FM Kano was also not spared.
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“In Abuja, the nation’s capital, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by Police officers who hit him with the butt of their guns and their batons and caused injuries to his head while covering the protest.
“Cameras belonging to journalists were also destroyed by Police officers. Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent and Chairman of FCT Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ, was arrested and his mobile telephone seized by Police officers.”
While calling on heads of security agencies to caution their operatives to prevent further attacks on journalists, the IPI added that “all culpable law enforcement officers will be held to account.”
In a related development, the NHRC equally condemned molestation of journalists particularly by the police at the Eagle Square.
The Executive Secretary, ES, of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, noted that the act was a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of press.
The NHRC emphasized that journalists have the constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or molestation.
He lamented that those molested, including Jide Oyekunle, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Correspondents Chapel and journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper; Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times; Mary Adeboye of News Central Television and Kayode Jaiyeola, a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper, did not deserve the treatment that was meted on them.
He said the Police’s actions undermined the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“We call on the Nigerian Police to respect the rights of journalists and protesters, and to ensure that their actions align with international human rights standards,” he noted.
While reiterating the commitment of the Commission to protecting human rights and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law in Nigeria, the ES called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC within 10 days.
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