The Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has demanded an investigation into the assault on its Secretary, Muhammad Nasir Bello, by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to the State Government House.
The union also demanded justice for Bello, a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who was assaulted while covering a solidarity rally in support of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Aliyu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the state.
The rally ended at the Sokoto State Government House, where the incident occurred.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Usman Mohammed Binji, the NUJ said Bello was attacked despite presenting his identification cards bearing the logos of NAN and the union.
The council said the security operatives assaulted him and removed him from the area designated for journalists at the Government House gallery.
It added that his clothes were torn, his mobile phone damaged, while he sustained injuries to his legs, hands and other parts of his body.
Describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, the NUJ said the assault amounted to a violation of press freedom and journalists’ fundamental right to perform their professional duties without intimidation or harassment.
The union stressed that journalists were neither political opponents nor participants in political rallies but professionals discharging their constitutional responsibility of gathering and disseminating information in the public interest.
It expressed concern over the conduct of the security personnel, noting that journalists play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness in a democratic society.
The NUJ, therefore, called on the Sokoto State Government and relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
It also demanded adequate medical attention for Bello and appropriate compensation for his damaged property and injuries.
The council further urged the state government to issue clear directives to security personnel attached to the Government House and other public institutions to respect journalists and provide a safe environment for them to discharge their professional responsibilities.
The NUJ warned that it would not tolerate violence, intimidation or harassment against journalists performing their lawful duties, irrespective of the political party, individual or institution involved.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom and democratic values, the council said any attack on a journalist performing a lawful duty was also an attack on the public’s right to know.
It urged relevant stakeholders to treat the allegation with the seriousness it deserved and take concrete steps to prevent a recurrence.
