Eben Enasco Reporting
All Practicing Journalists in Edo State, must not be seen victimized for performing their official responsibility in public spaces, according to the leadership of Nigeria Union Of Journalists, NUJ.
It declared that any Journalist who is under such threat anywhere in the state is expected to report the unhealthy conduct to the leadership of the union for immediate lawful actions.
A statement signed and made available to newsmen in the state, by the Chairman of the State NUJ Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, noted that journalists are constitutionally permitted to report activities of members of the public, whilst such report will give the people the opportunity to have an idea of proceedings around them.
The warning, which is coming from the stable of the Chairman, NUJ Edo State Council, is a fallout from the recent attacks linked to supporters and loyalists of some defendants in cases involving criminal charges at the various courts in Edo state.
According to the statement, the union noted with dismay that, such attacks have become so frequent recently, and need urgent attention to halt other impending challenges.
While urging security agencies detailed to court premises to provide some level of protection for journalists in the state, Comrade Alenkhe cited the case of EFCC versus Roland Osaigbaikhoe Omo-Ogbebor, the former scepter bearer, Omuada, of the Oba of Benin at the Federal High Court, Ikpoba Hill, Benin city, wherein, supporters and loyalists of the defendant almost destroyed the camera of journalists covering the court proceedings.
The union also cited the case involving one Chief Johnson Atseleghe, a defendant, versus the Commissioner of Police at the High court in Benin City where some journalists were attacked and threatened not to report the matter.
The union see and described the various attacks as uncivilized.
The statement further explained that the union will no longer condone any of such attacks on its members performing their civic duty as it may resort to the use of the law court to seek redress for its members