The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the molestation of journalists by the Nigerian Police at Eagle Square during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
According to the Executive Secretary (ES) of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the act is a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of press.
The NHRC emphasized that journalists have the constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or molestation
He lamented that those molested, including Jide Oyekunle, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel and journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper; Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times; Mary Adeboye of News Central Television and Kayode Jaiyeola, a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper, did not deserve the treatment that was meted on them.
According to the NHRC Executive Secretary, the Police’s actions undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law. “We call on the Nigerian Police to respect the rights of journalists and protesters, and to ensure that their actions align with international human rights standards.
Dr. Ojukwu said the Commission is calling on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC within 10 days.
“We reiterate our commitment to protecting human rights and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law in Nigeria” he added in a statement signed by Obinna Nwakonye, the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission.
