By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, strongly condemns the alleged assault on its Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello, a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to the Sokoto State Government House.
The incident occurred while Bello was covering a solidarity rally organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Aliyu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Sokoto State which terminated at Government House Sokoto
Bello, despite presenting his identification cards bearing the logos of NAN and NUJ was allegedly assaulted by the security personnel and removed from the area designated for journalists at the gallery.
His sustained injuries with his clothes torned, and mobile phone damaged during the incident.
While describing the incident as severely embarrassing, unacceptable and disturbing, as well as a serious violation of press freedom and journalists' fundamental right to perform their lawful professional duties without intimidation, harassment or assault, NUJ said they are particularly concerned about the alleged conduct of the security personnel given the vital role journalists play in keeping the public informed and promoting transparency and accountability in a democratic society.
A statement signed by the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji said members of the NUJ are neither political opponents nor participants in political rallies rather professionals carrying out their constitutional responsibility of gathering and disseminating information in the public interest.
"Consequently, the NUJ Sokoto State Council calls on the Sokoto State Government and relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that any personnel found culpable are held accountable Council also demands that its Secretary be provided with adequate medical attention and appropriate compensation for the damage to his property and the injuries he sustained. It further calls for clear assurances that such incidents will not recur.
"Furthermore, the NUJ urges the state government to issue clear directives to security personnel attached to the Government House and other public institutions to respect media practitioners and provide them with a safe and conducive environment to discharge their professional responsibilities".
The statement further added that the "NUJ Sokoto State Council will not condone any act of violence, intimidation or harassment against journalists in the course of their lawful duties, irrespective of the political party, individual or institution involved.
"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection of journalists, the defence of press freedom and the promotion of democratic values. Any attack on a journalist performing a lawful duty is an attack on the public's right to know.
"We therefore urge all relevant stakeholders to treat this incident with the seriousness it deserves and take concrete measures to ensure that such an occurrence is not repeated". NNL.
