NUJ demands apology from police over assault on journalists, threatens media blackout
On Tuesday, April 8, the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Police Command, demanding an unreserved public apology for the assault on five journalists during a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt. If the police fail to comply, the NUJ warned of a statewide media blackout.
The statement, signed by the Council Chairman Paul Bazia and Secretary Ijeoma Tubosia, condemned the actions of the police officers involved and called for their immediate identification and prosecution. The NUJ vowed to strongly resist any future attacks on journalists in the state.
“The NUJ, as a watchdog of society, will not sit idly by while media practitioners are subjected to barbarism and brutality. Enough is enough,” the statement declared.
The union described the incident as “unprovoked, barbaric, and inhuman,” stating that it was a gross violation of the journalists’ rights. The affected journalists included Charles Opurum of Channels TV, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info, Ikezam Godswill of AIT, and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM. The journalists were reportedly tear-gassed while covering the protest, with Opurum also being beaten and detained by security forces.
The NUJ expressed deep regret that an institution meant to protect citizens had turned its force against journalists carrying out their professional duties. Despite the incident, the union reaffirmed its commitment to working with the police for peace and national development, but emphasized the need for a respectful working relationship.
The NUJ also urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding, while calling on the police authorities to take swift action to address the assault and prevent future occurrences.
