Follow Us on Google
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, has condemned what it described as an assault on press freedom, following the alleged harassment and intimidation of journalists by a member of the House of Representatives, Chief Nnoli Nnaji, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in the state.
The union accused the lawmaker representing Nkanu East and Nkanu West Federal Constituency of chasing journalists away from the venue of the exercise, located along Abakaliki Road, GRA, Enugu, despite the fact that the media practitioners were officially invited by the party to cover the primaries.
In a statement signed by the Chairman, NUJ Enugu State Council, Obinna Ogbuka, the union described the alleged conduct of the lawmaker as “shameful, undemocratic, and unacceptable.”
The council said it was “shocking and embarrassing” that a serving federal lawmaker would allegedly harass, intimidate, and forcefully chase away journalists who were carrying out their constitutional and professional responsibilities.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, strongly condemns the shameful, undemocratic, and unacceptable conduct allegedly exhibited by the member representing Nkanu East and Nkanu West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, against journalists, at the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Enugu State,” the statement read.
“It is both shocking and embarrassing that a sitting federal lawmaker would allegedly harass, intimidate, and forcefully chase away journalists who were officially invited by the APC leadership to cover the exercise, in line with their constitutional and professional responsibilities.”
The union further alleged that the lawmaker ordered some thugs to prevent journalists from accessing the centre where results of the primaries were expected to be announced. The NUJ said the action heightened tension around the exercise and created fear among journalists covering the event.
Other News
“The Council also finds disturbing reports that Hon. Nnaji allegedly ordered some thugs to chase journalists away from the centre where the results of the primaries were to be announced, an action that further heightened tension and created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation around the electoral process,” the statement added.
The union maintained that the alleged actions amounted to a direct attack on democracy and press freedom, warning that intimidation of journalists would not be tolerated.
“The NUJ views these actions as a direct assault on press freedom, democracy, and the fundamental rights of journalists to carry out their lawful duties without fear, harassment, or intimidation,” it stated.
The council also expressed concern over alleged comments credited to the lawmaker suggesting that the APC no longer required the support of journalists and the people of Enugu State to win elections.
“The Council is, particularly, disturbed by the alleged threats made against journalists by Hon. Nnaji, including reports that he boasted that the APC no longer needs the support of journalists and the people of Enugu State to win elections. Such reckless and inflammatory statements expose a dangerous mindset that has no place in a democratic society and raise serious concerns about the transparency and credibility of activities surrounding the exercise,” the NUJ said.
The union called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists in the state, insisting that no politician, regardless of status or influence, has the right to suppress the media or intimidate practitioners carrying out their lawful duties.
