NUJ Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Rivers Police Over Attack on Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Rivers State has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Police Command, demanding a public apology for the assault on five journalists during a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt. Failure to meet this demand will result in a statewide media blackout.

In a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, and Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, the NUJ condemned the actions of the police officers involved, calling for their immediate identification and prosecution. The union described the assault as “unprovoked, barbaric, and inhuman,” a gross violation of the rights of the affected journalists.

Warri Sentinel understands that the journalists targeted in the attack include Charles Opurum of Channels TV, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info, Ikezam Godswill of AIT, and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM. The reporters were tear-gassed while covering the protest, with Opurum beaten and detained by security operatives.

“The NUJ, as a watchdog of society, will not sit idly by while media practitioners are subjected to barbarism and brutality. Enough is enough,” the statement read, warning that any further attacks on journalists would be “vehemently resisted.”

The NUJ expressed regret over the incident, stating that an institution meant to protect citizens had turned its force against the very individuals carrying out their lawful duties. Despite the incident, the union reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with the police, while also cautioning that the existing relationship with the media should not be jeopardised.

The NUJ called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding, while expressing hope that the police would take swift and decisive action to address the issue and ensure better treatment of journalists in Rivers State going forward.