The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, says it has boycotted coverage of government activities following intimidation and harrasment of its members by security agents.
This is contained in a statement issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday and signed by the chairman and secretary of the chapel, Habibu Harisu and Mr Ankeli Emmanuel.
According to the chapel, members would no longer use press statements issued by government, groups and individuals who failed to invite them to cover the events.
While condemning some security agents for threatening lives of harmless journalists while undertaking their legitimate duties, the Chapel also called on heads of the various security agencies in the state, to sensitize their personnel on security-media relationship.
“Following harrasment and molestation of members of the Correspondents’ Chapel at the Government House, Sokoto on Friday 12/02/2021 by Security personnel, members have resolved to boycott all government activities in the state.
“The Chapel has also barred its members from using press releases issued by government, groups, individuals, organisations and politicians, who do not deem it fit to invite them to cover their functions.
“We condemn in strong terms, the unwarranted attitude of security agents at the Government House for threatening lives of harmless journalists who are out to do their primary duties.
“The Chapel therefore calls on heads of security agencies in the state to sensitize their personnel on media-security relations,” the statement reads.
