By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Rivers State Chapter, has decried the unfortunate situation whereby an institution like the Police, constitutionally charged with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties, has suddenly converted itself into an instrument of oppression and suppression.
The NUJ’s lamentation is coming on the heels of the molestation and physical assaults of some journalists in Rivers state during last Monday’s nationwide protest march against the state of emergency imposed on the State, and other perceived acts of misgovernance by the “Take-It-Back Movement.”
Arising from what it described as unwarranted, unprovoked, barbaric and inhuman treatment of journalists covering the protest in the State, the NUJ on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, gave the Rivers State Police Command 14 days ultimatum to apologize, or face the wrath of its members.
The Source reports that the Police, during the protest on Monday in the State, applied a high-handed approach resulting in the brutalization and indiscriminate tear gasing of many people, including journalists covering the event.
The Police, in the face of the State of Emergency in the State, forcefully dispersed the protesters who had gathered at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt by 9.00 am.
Even when the protesters left the park in deference to Police warnings, Security Operatives still trailed them to the streets, shooting several canisters of tear gas, and severely beat up a number of people.
In a statement jointly issued by Comrade Paul Bazia and Dr Ijeoma Tubosia, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the Rivers State NUJ Council strongly condemned the repressive actions of the Police during the protest.
“The NUJ, as a watchdog of the society, will not sit idly-by while media practitioners are subjected to barbarism, and brutality.
“Enough is enough. Any further attacks on working journalists in the State would be vehemently resisted”, the Union warned .
According to the NUJ, the despicable action of the Police, tantamount to a gross violation of the rights of the affected journalists.
The Union particularly decried the barbaric assault on five of its members namely–Charles Opurum of Channels Television, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info ,Ikezam Godswill of AIT and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM.
The Union alleged that the journalists were tear gased, severely beaten and detained by Security Operatives while performing their legitimate duties during the Monday protest.
The NUJ warned that its members will black out the activities of Police and other Security Agencies in Rivers State should they fail to tender an unreserved apology to the Union within the next two weeks.
While suing for calm among members, the Union, however, expressed its unwavering commitment towards constructive engagement and partnership with the Police and others in the overall interest of peace and national development .
This is just as it cautioned the police not to take for granted the existing cordial working relationship between it and the Media in the State.
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