The Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on a journalist with MITV, Habeeb Adejobi, on the Kosofe native authorities council secretariat in Lagos state.
The organisation described the incident as a critical violation of press freedom and the rights of journalists finishing up their authentic duties.
Adejobi was reportedly assaulted on Wednesday by suspected loyalists of the Chairman of Kosofe native authorities space, Mr. Moyo Ogunlewe, whereas overlaying the screening train for newly appointed supervisors and particular advisers on the council secretariat.
Reacting to the incident in a press release, the Govt Director of JODER, Adewale Adeoye, described the assault as embarrassing and unacceptable in a democratic setting.
He stated the assault on the journalist evoked recollections of the repression and atrocities journalists confronted in the course of the years of navy rule in Nigeria.
In keeping with him, it was significantly disturbing that the incident occurred at a time a brand new chairman was being sworn into workplace, describing it as a horrible manner for a brand new administration to start.
“That is fairly embarrassing. It shouldn’t occur in a democracy. The violation of the rights of a journalist in the middle of his official responsibility is condemnable within the strongest phrases,” Adeoye stated.
He known as on the police to completely examine the incident and make sure that the person alleged to have led the assault — described as the driving force to the council chairman — is dropped at justice.
Adeoye additionally urged the Lagos state Home of Meeting to research the incident, stressing that the alleged conduct of the driving force was uncivilised and unacceptable.
“We expect it’s irregular for a neighborhood authorities chairman to maintain a thug as his driver,” he stated.
The rights group additional careworn that journalists have to be allowed to hold out their skilled duties with out intimidation, harassment or violence.
JODER warned that repeated assaults on journalists threaten democratic governance and undermine the position of the media in holding public officers accountable.
The organisation subsequently, known as on related authorities to take decisive steps to make sure the security of journalists overlaying political and governmental actions throughout the state.