NUJ GIVES RIVERS POLICE 14 DAYS TO APOLOGIZE FOR ASSAULTING JOURNALISTS OR FACE MEDIA BLACKOUT. (PHOTO).

 

The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Police Command, demanding a public apology for the assault on five journalists during a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt. Failure to comply, the union warned, would result in a statewide media blackout.

In a statement jointly signed by Council Chairman Comrade Paul Bazia and Secretary Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, the NUJ condemned the police actions as “unprovoked, barbaric, and inhuman,” calling for the immediate identification and prosecution of the officers involved. “The NUJ, as a watchdog of society, will not sit idly by while media practitioners are subjected to barbarism and brutality. Enough is enough,” the statement read, adding that further attacks on journalists would be “vehemently resisted.”

The assaulted journalists—Charles Opurum of Channels TV, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info, Ikezam Godswill of AIT, and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM—were covering the protest when they were tear-gassed. Opurum was reportedly beaten and detained by security operatives, an incident the NUJ described as a gross violation of their rights.

The union expressed dismay that an institution meant to protect citizens had turned on journalists performing their lawful duties. “It is regrettable that the police, tasked with safeguarding lives and property, have directed their weapons against the press,” the statement noted. While reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement with the police for peace and national development, the NUJ cautioned against actions that could strain the media-police relationship.

The NUJ urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing optimism that the police would address the incident decisively.