The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the assault on journalists by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal on Monday, January 20, 2025.
In a statement issued by the council’s chairman, Festus Alenkhe, and secretary, Andy Egbon, the union expressed outrage at the attempt to obstruct journalists from carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
They described the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and citizens’ rights to information and free expression.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, unequivocally condemns the unwarranted attack on journalists by DSS officials at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal on Monday, January 20, 2025.”
The NUJ highlighted that such actions are not only unjustifiable but also reflect the increasing hostility towards the media in Nigeria.
In response, the union called on both the Director-General of the DSS and the State Director of the DSS to take immediate corrective actions against the operatives involved and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues who were subjected to harassment and intimidation by DSS officials. We demand an immediate, unreserved apology from the DSS, along with a guarantee that journalists will be allowed to carry out their work freely. Failure to address this issue may lead the union to take further action, including boycotting DSS-related activities in Edo State,” the statement continued.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights.
They also called on all relevant stakeholders to join them in condemning the attack, emphasizing that such actions undermine democracy and the principles of a free press.
