FROM IKHILI, EBALU, BENIN CITY
Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council has condemned the unwarranted attack on journalists by officials of the Department of State Services, DSS, at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting yesterday.
A statement signed by the Chairman, Edo NUJ, Dr Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Andy Egbon said the actions of the DSS operatives are not only unacceptable, but also a clear indication of the growing hostility towards the media in Nigeria.
” We therefore call on the director-general of the DSS and the Edo State director of the service to take immediate steps to caution their personnel and prevent future occurrences.
“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues who were harassed and intimidated by DSS operatives. We demand an unconditional apology to NUJ and an assurance that journalists will be allowed to perform their duties without hindrance, failure which the union will take further steps to express its displeasure, including boycotting activities of the organisation.”
According to the statement, NUJ will continue to advocate press freedom and the protection of journalists rights. We urge all stakeholders to join us in condemning this brazen attack on democracy and free press.
