…Condemns harassment of citizens by politicians using security agents
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the publisher of WikkiTimes, Haruna Mohammed and a reporter, Kamal Idris to continue their professional work without let or hindrance.
This was as the NUJ expressed grave concern and total dismay over the way and manner some desperate politicians connive with security agents to intimidate and harass practicing Journalists through various forms of threats and harassments.
It particularly noted with deep concern the arrest and detention of the two journalists based on a petition by a member of the National Assembly from the state, Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi.
The NUJ in a statement signed by Umar Sa’idu and Isah Garba Gadau, Chairman and Secretary respectively, assured of its determination to ensure that Journalists in the State work according to best practices by adhering strictly to the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.
The NUJ warned that it would not tolerate a situation where politicians who have issues to hide, use security operatives to perpetrate acts of impunity against Journalists.
It therefore condemned in the strongest of terms, the arrest and detention of the two Journalists in question for carrying out their constitutionally assigned responsibility and their professional work.
The Union stated that it is willing at all times to engage aggrieved individuals or groups to resolve any perceived acts of professional breach by its members in a manner that will be acceptable to both parties.
