NUJ identifies intimidation and harassment of journalists as a threat to press freedom – THISAGE

By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Zone D, has decried the intimidation and harassment of journalists saying the development, if left unchecked, could spell doom for press freedom and the progress of national democracy.

The union cited the recent arrest and detention of Mr Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Report, by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps as a bad omen, describing him as a dangerous threat to press freedom and democracy.

NUJ Vice President, Zone D, Adeiza Momohjimoh, made the observation at a press conference held in Lokoja on Sunday.

Momohjimoh said the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s detention were “serious and worrying” and reflected a growing trend of intimidation against the media in some North Central states.

“The Union is particularly troubled by allegations linking a federal MP, the Honorable Leke Abejide, to the events that culminated in the arrest of the journalist,” Momohjimoh said. He maintained that if the lawmaker had any grievance over the publication, he should explore the existing cordial relationship with the NUJ Kogi State Council for an amicable resolution instead of allegedly resorting to security agencies.

“His alleged use of law enforcement as instruments of intimidation and harassment against a journalist has no place in a democratic society,” he said.

“Democracy is based on tolerance, dialogue, accountability and respect for dissenting opinions, not on repression of the media through coercive state powers.”

The NUJ vice president expressed shock at reports that NSCDC officials insisted they could not grant bail to Owoeye without the permission of the federal lawmaker believed to have initiated the complaint.

“No individual, regardless of status or political office, should be placed above the law or be allowed to exercise authority over the constitutional powers and responsibilities of security agencies,” Momohjimoh said.

“The administration of justice must remain guided by law, due process and established procedures, not by the whims or approval of private individuals or political actors.”

He stressed that disputes arising from media publications must be addressed through legal channels, including the courts, and not through arbitrary arrests and detentions.

While condemning the NSCDC, the Union commended the Department of State Services, DSS, in Kogi State for its professionalism in handling complaints against journalists.

“The agency’s current leadership has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the role of the media in a democratic society and has maintained a cordial and professional relationship with the State’s journalists,” he noted, urging other agencies to emulate the DSS.

Momohjimoh also expressed concern about what he called a “growing pattern of hostility towards the media” in the area, citing a recent attempt by the Niger state government to shut down a radio station. “Such actions are condemnable, unconstitutional and incompatible with democratic norms. They must never be allowed to be repeated anywhere in Nigeria.”

Citing the “dastardly conduct” of the NSCDC command in Kogi, the NUJ issued a warning: “An injury to a journalist is a detriment to the entire profession. Accordingly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists warns that an embargo may be imposed on coverage of NSCDC activities in Kogi State should the agency engage in further acts of aggression against journalists in the state.”

The Union called for immediate and unconditional respect for the rights of journalists and urged all authorities to recognize the media as partners in nation-building, accountability and democratic development.

“We will continue to firmly defend press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists across the country,” concluded Momohjimoh.

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