David Williams
The Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the attack on two journalists covering the governorship election in Ekiti State.
The assault involved Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation newspaper and Yunusa Ishola of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who were physically assaulted by some voters at polling unit 10, ward B in Iyin Ekiti.
In a statement co-signed by the Union’s chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi and the secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, the Union described the attack as unwarranted as the journalists were carrying out their legitimate election duty at the polling unit.
The Union bemoaned the failure of security personnel at the polling unit to protect the journalists but rather turned themselves to onlookers where they were supposed to maintain law and order.
The NUJ noted that the attack took place amidst a tensed situation when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly arrived at the polling unit to monitor alleged vote-buying activities.”
During the height of the confusion, Mr. Rasaq Ibrahim, who was diligently performing his professional duties by recording the incident on his mobile phone, was confronted by some agitated voters.
Despite clarifying that he was documenting the events for journalistic purposes, the crowd’s hostility escalated and he was physically assaulted in an apparent effort to prevent him from covering the unfolding events.
Mr. Ibrahim sustained injuries to his legs during the attack but managed to escape from the scene.
“Similarly, NAN correspondent Yunusa Ishola was caught in the chaos and, in the process of covering the incident, lost his official identity card”, the Union stated.
The umbrella body for journalists said such assault on journalists not only endangers their lives but also undermines the fundamental role of the press in providing accurate and timely information to the public during critical moments like elections.
The NUJ asserted that journalists must be allowed to operate freely and safely, especially during elections, which are crucial for democratic development.
It called on the security agencies to investigate this incident thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
