Ogun NUJ condemns attack on Council Secretary, calls for journalists' protection

The Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has strongly condemned the unjustifiable and inhumane attack on the Council Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun and his camera man from the Ogun State Television (OGTV) by overzealous and uncivilized security agents attached to the Governor of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, at Joga-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. 

Great Achiever Magazine reports that Comrade Bunmi Adigun was attacked while on official assignment at Joga Orile to cover the conferment of Chieftaincy title on Governor Adeleke by Abepa of Joga Orile.

The Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, in a press statement, said the reckless and reprehensible behaviour towards a member of the press, who was simply carrying out his professional duties, was utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society, granted that any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information.

Olanrewaju said the press must remain free, unshackled, and empowered to fulfill its vital role in the 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.

"We urge Governor Adeleke to take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists as attacks on the press will not be tolerated in any form and that those responsible shall be made to face the full force of the law", Comrade Olanrewaju disclosed.

The Chairman said: "As a unified body, we stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand an immediate public apology to our colleague and a commitment from the Governor of Osun State to uphold the rights and safety of journalists. 

"Any failure to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants will be viewed as a disregard for the rule of law and an assault on press freedom", Olanrewaju warned.