The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has issued a stern rebuke of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Kunle Fagbemi, following alleged repeated harassment of journalists assigned to cover the governor’s activities. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday at the Lagos House, Ikeja, involved verbal assault and obstruction of members of the governor’s official press crew as they attempted to perform their professional duties. The NUJ, in a statement released on Monday, expressed deep concern over what it characterized as a disturbing trend of unprofessional conduct by the CSO, marking the third documented instance of alleged intimidation of journalists by Mr. Fagbemi.
The union’s statement, jointly signed by Chairman Adeleye Ajayi and Secretary Tunde Olalere, vehemently condemned the CSO’s actions as an abuse of power, an affront to press freedom, and a violation of democratic principles. The NUJ emphasized the critical role of the media in a functioning democracy and asserted its unwavering commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of journalists to report freely without intimidation or harassment. The union demanded a formal apology from Mr. Fagbemi and urged him to educate himself on the fundamental role of the media in a democratic society. The NUJ also called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene decisively to prevent future recurrences of such unacceptable behavior.
The incident at Lagos House highlights a broader tension between security personnel and journalists, particularly in the context of covering official events. While security considerations are undeniably important, the actions of Mr. Fagbemi, as alleged by the NUJ, appear to have crossed the line from maintaining order to actively obstructing journalistic activity. This pattern of alleged harassment not only hinders journalists from carrying out their duties but also creates a chilling effect on the free flow of information, ultimately undermining the public’s right to know.
The NUJ’s call for Governor Sanwo-Olu’s intervention underscores the importance of leadership in setting the tone for interactions between security personnel and the press. By taking decisive action, the governor can send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that the press has a vital role to play in holding government accountable and informing the citizenry. Failure to address these concerns adequately could further strain the relationship between the government and the media, creating an environment of distrust and hindering open communication.
The NUJ’s strong stance against the alleged harassment emphasizes the importance of safeguarding press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy. A free and independent press is essential for holding those in power accountable, exposing corruption, and ensuring transparency in government operations. When journalists are intimidated or prevented from carrying out their duties, the public’s access to accurate and unbiased information is compromised, ultimately weakening democratic institutions.
In the aftermath of the incident, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, acknowledged the incident and assured the public that the situation was being addressed. He confirmed having discussions with both the press corps and the CSO, offering apologies for the incident and emphasizing a commitment to an amicable resolution. While these initial steps towards reconciliation are welcome, the NUJ’s insistence on a formal apology and concrete measures to prevent future incidents highlights the need for a more robust response to address the underlying issues at play and ensure the protection of journalists’ rights. The ongoing dialogue between the NUJ, the Governor’s office, and the security apparatus will be critical in establishing clear guidelines for future interactions and fostering mutual respect between security personnel and the press.
