NUJ calls for probe into alleged assault on Sokoto secretary by DSS

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has condemned alleged assault on its Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello, a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) hooked up to the Sokoto State Government House.

This was contained in a press launch signed and made out there to newsmen in Sokoto by the NUJ , Sokoto state Council Chairman, Comrade Usman Muhammad Binji

The incident occurred whereas Bello was protecting a solidarity rally organised in assist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governor Ahmed Aliyu and different All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Sokoto State which terminated at Government House Sokoto

Despite presenting his identification playing cards bearing the logos of NAN and NUJ, Bello was allegedly bodily assaulted by the safety personnel and faraway from the world designated for journalists on the gallery.

During the incident, his garments had been torn, his cell phone was broken, and he sustained accidents in his legs, fingers and different components of his physique.

The Council describes the incident as unacceptable and disturbing, in addition to a severe violation of press freedom and journalists’ elementary proper to carry out their lawful skilled duties with out intimidation, harassment or assault.

The Council stated is especially involved concerning the alleged conduct of the safety personnel, given the important function journalists play in conserving the general public knowledgeable and selling transparency and accountability in a democratic society.

The NUJ emphasises that journalists are neither political opponents nor individuals in political rallies.

“They are professionals finishing up their constitutional duty of gathering and disseminating data within the public curiosity.

“Consequently, the NUJ Sokoto State Council calls on the Sokoto State Government and relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that any personnel found culpable are held accountable.”

The Council additionally calls for that its Secretary be supplied with ample medical consideration and applicable compensation for the harm to his property and the accidents he sustained.

It additional requires clear assurances that such incidents won’t recur.

Furthermore, the NUJ urges the state authorities to situation clear directives to safety personnel hooked up to the Government House and different public establishments to respect media practitioners and supply them with a protected and conducive atmosphere to discharge their skilled obligations.

“The NUJ Sokoto State Council won’t condone any act of violence, intimidation or harassment in opposition to journalists in the midst of their lawful duties, regardless of the political social gathering, particular person or establishment concerned.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection of journalists, the defence of press freedom and the promotion of democratic values. Any attack on a journalist performing a lawful duty is an attack on the public’s right to know.”

The NUJ subsequently urged all related stakeholders to deal with this incident with the seriousness it deserves and take concrete measures to make sure that such an incidence is just not repeated.