…Decalres that journalists are not criminals
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday declared that the unnecessary and unprovoked attack on members of the media by Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, who decided to embark on strange errands, is unacceptable adding that it is becoming clearer now that he is pursuing a different agenda.
This was as the NUJ described as most unfortunate attempts by Sheik Gumi to seek amnesty for killers and abductors of innocent citizens, especially school children.
Accordingly, the NUJ condemned in the strongest of terms, the remarks by Sheikh Gumi on Arise TV on Wednesday where he labeled Journalists as criminals for calling bandits criminals.
The Union pointedly said that it did not in any material particular see any correlation between journalism and criminality.
These were contained in a statement by its National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo in whih the NUJ specifically noted that Sheik Gumi said; “you are emphasising on criminality, I don’t know. Even the Press (journalists) are criminals too because they are putting oil into fire [sic]. These people are listening to you, don’t address them as criminals”.
The NUJ therefore said that it is instructive to note that one of the gangs that was recently interviewed by a Nigerian journalist, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz and published in Daily Trust of today (Friday) where the bandit leader insisted on being introduced properly as “Kachalla Halilu Sububu Seno, Leader of all Terrorists. He is the Leader.”
The NUJ noted that in spite of the admittance by the terrorist, Gumi still insists they are not criminals, stressing that
The statement further states; “We equally recall a recent statement credited to Sheik Gumi where he was inciting bandits, by encouraging religious biases among soldiers on the battlefield.
“We are more shocked that the same Sheik Gumi, who has used the media to speak to leaders and to advance the course of his mission to the bandits across the Northwest, is at the same time attacking the Journalists for simply describing bandits as criminals”.
The NUJ therefore invite Sheik Gumi to explain to Nigerians why despite his recent negotiations with bandits in Zamfara State, the criminals have continued maiming, killing, raping and kidnapping innocent citizens, including the 300 female Students abducted on Friday in the same State.
The Union further states; “In saner climes, Sheikh Gumi, a non-state actor involved in negotiations with criminal elements, should have been behind bars, but alas, thanks to the weaknesses of our Leaders, he continues with his reckless comments and forays into bandit territory unabated.
“By insulting the Press as “Criminals” Sheikh Gumi has exposed himself the more as an intolerant person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the media.
“It is instructive to remind Sheik Gumi that by embarking on such an errand and choosing to speak for the bandits, the Press will continue to scrutinise his activities and also hold him accountable for his actions as enshrined in the Constitution.
“His reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and we demand a retraction of his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances which negate simple decorum and civility”.
The NUJ therefore cautioned Sheikh Gumi to remember that “riding the tiger might be an exhilarating experience but the consequence are bound to be unpleasant” thus the need to be guided.
The NUJ equally invited the global community to document the utterances and actions of Sheik Gumi and to hold him to account for any bandit related mishap that may happen to Journalists around the country.
