The Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned the assault on the union’s secretary and a reporter with the Ogun State Television, Bunmi Adigun, by some security officers attached to the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke.
The security officers were said to have attacked Adigun while carrying out his assignments during the 66th birthday of the Abepa of Joga-Orile, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, and conferment of chieftaincy title on Adeleke by the monarch on Friday, January 2, 2024.
Recounting his ordeals, Adigun said, “Though the governor was amiable, all the security details were unruly. They started misbehaving anyhow immediately after the governor arrived, pushing and harassing every journalist.
“They pushed my cameraman and other cameramen, I thought that was enough until they got to where we were standing, I was harassed, embarrassed, and they nearly tore my clothes.”
The union, in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, described the attack as unwarranted and an affront to press freedom.
The statement partly read, “This reckless and reprehensible behavior towards a member of the press, who was simply carrying out his professional duties, is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society, granted that any form of assault on a journalist is an affront on the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information.
“The press must remain free, unshackled, and empowered to fulfill its vital role in society.
“It is deeply concerning that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding law and order would resort to using excessive force and intimidation against journalists. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the media but also erode the trust between the government and the people it serves.
