The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the assault on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, by safety operatives linked to him.
The safety operatives have been stated to have attacked Adigun whereas finishing up his orders in the course of the 66th birthday celebration of the Abepa of Joga-Orile, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, and the conferring of the title of Chieftain on Adeleke by the monarch on Friday.
Narrating his ordeal, Adigun stated, “Though the governor was pleasant, all safety particulars have been unruly. In any case, they began misbehaving instantly after the governor arrived, pressuring and harassing each journalist, even those that got here with different particular friends from Osun State.
“They pushed my cameraman and different cameramen, I assumed that was sufficient till they acquired to the place we have been standing. I used to be harassed, embarrassed they usually nearly tore my garments.”
The union, in a press release signed by state chairman Wale Olanrewaju and made out there to journalists on Saturday, described the assault as unfounded and an insult to press freedom.
The assertion learn partly: “This reckless and reprehensible conduct in direction of a member of the press, who was merely finishing up his skilled duties, is totally unacceptable and can’t be tolerated in a democratic society, contemplating that any type of assault on a journalist is an insult of the elemental rules of freedom of the press and the appropriate of residents to entry correct and unbiased data.
“The press should stay free, unfettered and capable of fulfill its essential position in society.
“It’s deeply regarding that these entrusted with the accountability of sustaining regulation and order are resorting to using extreme power and intimidation in opposition to journalists. Such actions not solely undermine the integrity of the media, but in addition undermine belief between the federal government and the folks it serves.
“We urge Governor Adeleke to take swift and decisive motion to carry the perpetrators of this assault to account and make sure that measures are taken to safeguard the rights and security of journalists as assaults on the press is not going to be tolerated in any kind and that these accountable will likely be confronted with the total power of the regulation.
“As a united physique, we stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand an instantaneous public apology to our colleague and a dedication from the Governor of Osun State to uphold the rights and security of journalists.
“Any failure to handle this situation with the urgency and seriousness it warrants will likely be seen as a disregard for the rule of regulation and an assault on press freedom.”
