NUJ Condemns Attacks On Journalists At Rally

Following incessant attacks on journalists in Rivers State, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has called on the Police and other security agencies to ensure protection of journalists operating in the State in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
The Union, in a nine-point communiqué issued at the end of its emergency State Executive Council (NEC) meeting held Monday, and signed by its State Chairman, Opaka Dokubo and Secretary, Stanley Job Stanley said journalists are professionals carrying out their duties as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other international charters of which Nigeria is a signatory.
It condemned a situation where the Police attack or watch journalists being attacked by hoodlums, and called on the Police and other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians in the State irrespective of their political affiliations.
“We wish to warn that should these incessant attacks continue on journalists in Rivers State, the State Council of the NUJ shall take appropriate steps, including the withdrawal of our services”, it said, adding that journalists are not interested parties in the political crisis currently rocking the State.
The Union also condemned the attack on the Channels TV crew and reporters on Sunday at Bori, in Khana Local Government Area at the botched rally of the Save Rivers Movement, saying, “we find the situation unacceptable, and urged political parties, groups and their supporters to engage in their activities and leave journalists alone to practice their profession”.
The union, however, recalled similar attacks on journalists working with TV continental, Sun Newspaper, RSTV, Rhythm 93.7 FM, among others, in the past, and warned that such attacks would no longer be tolerated.