By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
CONCERNS OVER intimidation and harassment of journalists have been raised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone D, which warned that the development, if not checked, could spell doom for press freedom and the advancement of democracy in the country.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the union cited the recent arrest and detention of Mr Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Report, by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as a bad omen and a dangerous threat to press freedom and democracy.
NUJ Vice President Zone D, Adeiza Momohjimoh, made the observation at a press conference in Lokoja on Sunday.
Momohjimoh said the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s detention were “grave and troubling” and reflect a growing trend of intimidation against media houses in some North Central states.
“The Union is particularly disturbed by allegations linking a Federal lawmaker, Hon. Leke Abejide, to the events that culminated in the arrest of the journalist,” Momohjimoh stated.
He said if the lawmaker had any grievance over the publication, he should have explored the existing cordial relationship with the Kogi State Council of NUJ for amicable resolution instead of allegedly resorting to security agencies.
“His alleged resort to law enforcement agencies as instruments of intimidation and harassment against a journalist has no place in a democratic society,” he said.
“Democracy thrives on tolerance, dialogue, accountability, and respect for dissenting opinions, not on the suppression of the media through coercive state powers.”
Momohjimoh expressed shock over reports that NSCDC officials insisted they could not grant Owoeye bail without permission from the federal lawmaker alleged to have initiated the complaint.
“No individual, regardless of status or political office, should be placed above the law or be allowed to exercise authority over the constitutional powers and responsibilities of security agencies,” Momohjimoh said.
“The administration of justice must remain guided by law, due process, and established procedures, not by the whims or approval of private individuals or political actors.”
He said disputes arising from media publications must be addressed through lawful channels, including the courts, not through arbitrary arrest and detention.
The union commended the Department of State Services in Kogi State for what it described as professionalism in handling complaints against journalists.
“The current leadership of the agency has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the role of the media in a democratic society and has maintained a cordial and professional relationship with journalists in the state,” he noted, urging other agencies to emulate the DSS.
Momohjimoh also raised concern over what he called a growing pattern of hostility toward the media in the zone, citing a recent attempt by the Niger State Government to shut down a radio station.
“Such actions are condemnable, unconstitutional, and incompatible with democratic norms. They must never be allowed to happen again in any part of Nigeria.”
Citing the conduct of the Kogi NSCDC Command, the NUJ issued a warning.
“An injury to one journalist is an injury to the entire profession. Consequently, the Nigeria Union of Journalists hereby warns that an embargo may be placed on the coverage of the activities of the NSCDC in Kogi State should the agency engage in any further acts of aggression against journalists in the state.”
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the union called for immediate and unconditional respect for journalists’ rights and urged authorities to recognise the media as a partner in nation building, accountability, and democratic development.
“We shall continue to stand firmly in defence of press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists across the country,” Momohjimoh said.
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