The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Enugu State Council, has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of journalists by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Enugu State.
In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the union described the alleged actions of the lawmaker representing Nkanu East and Nkanu West Federal Constituency as “shameful, undemocratic, and unacceptable.”
According to the statement, journalists who were officially invited by the APC leadership to cover the primary election held along Abakaliki Road in the GRA area of Enugu were allegedly harassed and forcefully chased away from the venue.
The union further alleged that Hon. Nnaji ordered some thugs to prevent journalists from accessing the centre where the results of the primaries were to be announced, creating what it described as an atmosphere of fear and intimidation around the electoral process.
The NUJ said the alleged actions amounted to a direct attack on press freedom and democracy, stressing that journalists have a constitutional responsibility to report events without harassment or intimidation.
The Council also expressed concern over alleged remarks credited to the lawmaker that the APC no longer needed the support of journalists and the people of Enugu State to win elections. It described the comments as reckless and inflammatory.
The union stated that it was disgraceful for a public office holder sworn to uphold the Constitution to allegedly intimidate journalists and deploy thugs against media practitioners.
Consequently, the NUJ called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and uncover the circumstances surrounding the alleged obstruction of journalists at the venue.
The Council warned that any further harassment or attack on journalists in Enugu State would not be tolerated, reiterating that the media remains a vital pillar of democracy.
The NUJ also assured journalists affected by the incident of its continued commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of media practitioners in the state.
