‘Identify Journalists’ Estate invaders, backers for immediate prosecution’- NUJ tells Ogun govt
The Nigerian Union of Journalists has strongly condemned the recent invasion of Journalists Estate Phase 1, Arepo by some hoodlums allegedly backed by the Olu of Arepo, Oba Atanda Oyebi and residents of a nearby estate called, Beachland Estate.
The NUJ in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, called on the state government to immediately identify the perpetrators and their backers for prosecution.
The union said the development must be decisively tackled by appropriate authorities to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“This ugly development must be curtailed forthwith and decisively. A situation where traditional authorities take laws into their hands with reckless abandon like, in this case, is unacceptable, more so, when the reason given for the destruction of the Estate Entrance Arc was allegedly because the Journalists in the Estate did not pay homage to the palace (Give bribe), before the construction.
“We appeal to Ogun State Authorities to urgently identify and hold to account, all persons behind this dastardly act and willful destruction of property. These acts of impunity in the country, especially against Journalists and their property are far too many and should be stopped immediately,” the NUJ said.
The union said the shameless display in Arepo Estate ‘is ignoble and irresponsible. No decent community should engage in this.’
NUJ said journalists should be encouraged to work without fear of harassment, wherever they might, adding that anything short of this is to deny them their freedom.
