The Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ogun State Chapter, joins the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, in strongly condemning the barbaric, reckless and unlawful assault on journalists carrying out their legitimate professional duties during an official enforcement exercise in the Ogun Guandong area of Igbesa, Ogun State.
The reported harassment and physical assault of Ogun State Television (OGTV) reporter, Mr. Taiwo Fabajo; Channels Television crew member, Mr. Bidemi Bello and journalist Mr. Gbenga Osinuga by private security operatives attached to a Chinese company is not only disgraceful but represents a direct attack on press freedom, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of media practitioners in Nigeria.
It is particularly disturbing that private security personnel, who have neither the authority nor legal mandate to obstruct journalists in the discharge of their duties, allegedly took the law into their own hands and descended on innocent professionals whose only offence was documenting an official government exercise. Such conduct is unacceptable, condemnable and must never be tolerated in any democratic society.
The media remains a critical pillar of democracy, serving as the eyes, ears and voice of the people. Any attempt to intimidate, harass, threaten or assault journalists is an attempt to suppress transparency, accountability and the public’s right to information. It is therefore alarming that individuals employed to provide security would exhibit such lawless behaviour and utter disregard for the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ogun FIBAN demands an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into this unfortunate incident. We call on the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute every individual involved in this assault, irrespective of status, affiliation or employer.
We further urge the management of the company whose operatives allegedly perpetrated this act to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and publicly distance itself from such irresponsible conduct. Silence or inaction in this matter would amount to complicity.
Let it be clearly stated that journalists are not enemies of the state, nor are they adversaries of legitimate businesses. They are professionals carrying out a constitutional responsibility in the interest of society. Any attack on them is an attack on democracy itself.
We stand firmly with our colleagues, Taiwo Fabajo, Bidemi Bello and Gbenga Osinuga, and assure them of our unwavering solidarity. We also stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
This matter must not be swept under the carpet. The perpetrators must be brought to book, and a clear message must be sent that Ogun State is not a safe haven for those who seek to intimidate or brutalize journalists.
Signed,
Chief Olalekan Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba),
Chairman
OGUN FIBAN
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