NUJ CONDEMNS ABUSIVE USE OF POLITICAL OFFICE, POLICE HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION ON JOURNALISTS

NUJ CONDEMNS ABUSIVE USE OF POLITICAL OFFICE, POLICE HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION ON JOURNALISTS

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has issued a strong condemnation of the harassment and intimidation faced by journalist Comrade Olajide Osoba. This follows an incident involving Mr. Azeez Adeyemi, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, who allegedly directed a group to assault Osoba during the May 1st celebrations.

The Union's emergency State Executive Committee meeting highlighted the unacceptable behavior that included threats and defamation of character, as well as the misuse of political office to intimidate journalists. Osoba faced further harassment after the incident, including attempts by police to arrest him based on unfounded allegations made by Adeyemi.

The NUJ calls for an immediate cessation of such intimidation tactics and demands a thorough investigation into the May Day incident. It emphasizes the necessity for a free press and the protection of journalists' rights, urging the Ogun State government to take action against Adeyemi and ensure the safety of journalists.

In their resolution, the NUJ has outlined several points, including:

1. Banning Mr. Azeez Adeyemi and his associates from the NUJ Secretariat.
2. Stopping police harassment and launching an investigation into the May Day incident.
3. Protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring press freedom.
4. Maintaining a positive relationship between the government and the media.
5. Upholding the dignity and rights of journalists in Ogun State.

The NUJ remains steadfast in its commitment to defending press freedom and the integrity of journalism.