Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday condemned the arrest of the Publisher/Editor of Kogi Report, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by the operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday in Lokoja.
The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by the Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), Comrade Adeiza Momojimoh.
The NUJ explained that the circumstances surrounding the arrest, as reported in the media, raise serious questions about the role of security agencies in a democratic society and the protection of press freedom as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The NUJ Zone D wishes to state unequivocally that the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC must not allow itself to be turned into a tool in the hands of aggrieved politicians or individuals seeking to settle personal or political scores. Security agencies established and funded by the Nigerian people must remain professional, impartial, and guided strictly by the law.
“The mandate of the NSCDC is clearly defined by the Act establishing the agency. Scrutinising news reports, determining the correctness of journalistic content, and detaining journalists for publishing stories concerning public office holders do not form part of the statutory responsibilities of the Corps. Where any person feels defamed or aggrieved by a publication, there are established legal channels for seeking redress.
“We also advise politicians and public office holders to desist from using publicly funded security apparatus to harass, intimidate, or silence citizens, including journalists who are merely carrying out their constitutional duty of informing the public. Democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and the free exchange of ideas, not on intimidation and abuse of state institutions.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone D (North Central), strongly detests the action of the NSCDC in Kogi State and views it as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining press freedom and public confidence in security institutions.
“Accordingly, we call on the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to immediately investigate the matter and call the Kogi State Command to order. Any officer found to have acted outside the law or professional standards should be appropriately sanctioned.
“The NUJ remains committed to defending press freedom, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of all citizens. We urge all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that no journalist is persecuted for carrying out legitimate professional duties,” the statement stressed.