ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described as deplorable, unjustifiable and inhumane attack on the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Bunmi Adigun and his camera man from the Ogun State Television (OGTV) by the overzealous and uncivilized security agents attached to the Governor of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, at Joga-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Recall that, Adigun and other media men were attacked at the 66th birthday and Conferment of Chieftaincy title on the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke by Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, at Abepa in Joga Orile on Friday.
Adigun who works with Ogun state Television (OGTV) was on official duty at the event, which according to him attracted many dignitaries.
He added that immediately Governor Ademola Adeleke arrived, his security details started pushing and harassing every Journalists, even those who came with other special Guests from Osun State.
But the union, through the Council Chairman, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju in a statement on Friday stated that as a unified body, it condemned in strong terms the attack, while demanding an immediate public apology from the Osun State Government.
Olarenwaju noted that, the reckless and reprehensible behaviour towards a member of the press, who was simply carrying out his professional duties, is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society, granted that any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information.
The NUJ chairman stresses further that, the press must remain free, unshackled, and empowered to fulfill its vital role in society.
“It is deeply concerning that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding law and order would resort to using excessive force and intimidation against journalists. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the media but also erode the trust between the government and the people it serves.
“We urge the Governor Adeleke to take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists as attacks on the press will not be tolerated in any form and that those responsible shall be made to face the full force of the law.
“As a unified body, we stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand an immediate public apology to our colleague and a commitment from the Governor of Osun State to uphold the rights and safety of journalists. Any failure to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants will be viewed as a disregard for the rule of law and an assault on press freedom.”
