The attack on Mr. Ndubuisi Orji, a council member, at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat in Abuja has been denounced by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, or NUJ, FCT Council Council.
A PDP employee named Emmanuel Okoronkwo is accused of assaulting Orji, a correspondent with The Sun Newspaper.
On Monday, January 5, 2025, the assault allegedly happened inside the PDP National Secretariat Wadata Plaza Wuse Zone 5 Abuja as the attacked journalist was ready to enter the press center within the secretariat to perform his legal duties.
The union promised to bring the issue up with the appropriate security authorities and sought an unconditional apology from the party within 48 hours, according to a statement issued by the secretary of council, Jide Oyekunle.
The incident happened on Monday, January 5, 2025, at the PDP National Secretariat Wadata Plaza Wuse Zone 5, while the journalist was preparing to enter the press center within the secretariat, according to the statement.
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The attack is deemed reckless, uncivilized, unjustified, and an affront to journalistic freedom by the NUJ.
Speaking about his experience, Ndubuisi claimed that Okoronkwo violently barricaded him from entering the secretariat and attacked him as he was making his way to the press center. Okoronkwo insisted that the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had given the order that no journalists should be permitted inside the secretariat.
I was on my way to my car when Okoronkwo attacked me and slapped me again till those private security officers came to my aid.
He even broke my cell phone. Ndubuisi added, “He threatened to deal with me as well.”
Senator Samuel Anyanwu denied issuing such orders, stating that the party was on vacation and that he had attempted, but failed, to invite the impacted journalist.
“They reported the matter to the police,” he said. However, I have instructed the journalist to visit at his convenience so that I can learn more about the situation.
I wasn’t present when he arrived because the party was on vacation. You claim he said I gave the command, but I wasn’t involved. What kind of order? Was it me who ordered him to hit him? Anyanwu said.
But according to the NUJ FCT Council, Mr. Okoronkwo’s attack on Ndubuisi was irresponsible, ignoble, and repulsive. It was also deemed foolish, ridiculous, and undesirable, and it could not be allowed in a democratic society.
“Any attack on a journalist is a violation of the core values of press freedom and citizens’ ability to obtain truthful, objective information.
“The press must continue to be unrestricted, empowered, and free to carry out its essential social function. Unfortunately, the opposition party charged with speaking out against the government’s abuses and defending democratic values would turn to extreme force and intimidation against journalists.
The safety of all journalists who work to inform the public is under danger, and such acts not only compromise the integrity of the media but also the democratic ideals upon which our society is based.
Therefore, we urge the appropriate authorities to act right away in order to fully investigate this occurrence and bring the offenders to justice.
“Journalists must be protected and allowed to carry out their jobs without worrying about reprisals.”
In support of our colleague, we vehemently urge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the political thugs who work there to issue a quick public apology, which must be reported in two national dailies within 48 hours.
According to the statement, “We also demand that his mobile phone be replaced, as it was damaged during the process. Failure to comply with these conditions will compel the union to seek redress to get justice for our member.”
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