The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an immediate halt to the intimidation and harassment of journalists by Nigerian security agents and pro-government protesters during the ongoing nationwide hunger protest, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Achike Chude, on Saturday, the NUJ highlighted that journalists covering the protest, as mandated by their profession and protected by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, have faced severe intimidation, harassment, and seizures of both official and personal belongings.
Chude stated, “Following a series of protests across many parts of the country on Thursday and Friday, 1st and 2nd of August 2024, numerous Nigerian journalists went out to cover the events as required by their profession.
Unfortunately, the harassment and intimidation of journalists, along with the seizure of their assets, resurfaced once again. These acts were perpetrated by both state and non-state actors.
“This unacceptable situation, particularly those actions committed by state actors, continues despite numerous efforts by the NUJ to engage with government officials and security forces to curb these anti-democratic behaviors.
We assure Nigerians and the authorities that journalists will not be deterred from fulfilling their duties of informing, enlightening, and educating the public to promote the common good.”
