The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists
(NUJ) has described as absurdities of the ongoing Operation Python Dance 2 of the
Nigerian Army in the south-eastern part of the country with dissatisfaction and
disenchantment, especially the unnecessary clashes with innocent citizens, reports ITRealms.
NUJ National Secretariat via its National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman
noted that of
grave concern to NUJ was the invasion of our Press Centre in Umuahia, Abia State
by Soldiers on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 barely few days after three
journalists were brutalized by the officials of Department of State Security in
Osun State.
"The NUJ had on several occasions initiated moves towards
fostering safety of journalists and building synergy with agents of the state
but unfortunately, brutalization and impunity by security agents still
pervades.
"There is indeed an overriding need and urgency to promote safety of
journalists and fight impunity against them, in order to create the enabling
environment they require to optimally perform their fundamental functions in a
democracy.
NUJ, thus condemned in its totality the conduct of the Army at the NUJ
Press Centre in Umuahia, Abia State yesterday and demand for immediate
investigation into this macabre act.
"Our Stand:
(1) The Union notes the apologies extended to the Abia State
Council of the Union by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the
Nigerian Army and the Commander of 14 Brigade of the Army.
We however demand for an unqualified apology from the Chief
of Army Staff for the dastardly conduct of his soldiers, and call for
punishment for those soldiers who carried out the attack.
(2) Although it may be impossible to estimate the extent of
trauma caused our members by this despicable act, we however wish to demand for
the payment of medical bills for all those who sustained physical injuries.
(3) We also demand for full compensation for all the
furniture and office equipment destroyed by the soldiers at the Press Centre as
well as all damaged gadgets belonging to members. Items seized must also be
returned.
(4) For our members to trust the Army and deal with them in
their professional capacities henceforth in Abia State and elsewhere, we wish
to extract the commitment of the Army to ensure always the safety and security
of journalists who cover their activities."
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