ABEOKUTA– The Secretary of the Ogun state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Bunmi Adigun has stated that a united union is the only solution to the incessant attack and harassment of media men in the country.
Adigun stated this while reacting to the apology tendered by the Osun State Government over his attack by the security aides attached to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke at a public function in Joga Orile in Ogun state on Friday.
The Ogun NUJ scribe disclosure that the union must close ranks, stand against any form of intimidation or harassment from any quarters irrespective of whoever is involved.
In his letter titled, “Osun Governor’s apology taken in good faith”, Adigun appreciated the National President of the union, Chief Chris Isiguzo and other leaders of the union in the south west for their swift interventions when the incident happened.
“My appreciation starts from the number one journalist in Nigeria Chief Chris Isiguzo MFR, B Zone Vice President Ronke Afebioye Samo, and number one Journalist in Ogun State, Akinwale Olanrewaju for their swift interventions
“All Chairmen and Secretaries in southwest and the entire Journalists in Nigeria. I am more convinced that a united NUJ can change the trajectory of incessant harassment of our colleagues irrespective of who is involved.
“Special appreciation to the General Manager of the Ogun State Television Tunde Kassim and over five hundred journalists in Ogun State who stood by me in the course of the events through their pen
“Society of Nigeria broadcasters SNB and Association of Nigerian Broadcasters ANBROAD as they all stood by me”, he added
He however cautioned that the police must self regulate, saying that the behavior of the houded men does not represent the principles of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“My target was not the Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke but the Nigeria Police who still have more work to do. We still have bad eggs within that system
“Moving forward with Lessons learnt, we all need to know our boundaries, Police should know their work and responsibility at events while Journalists are there to tell the world what happened at that event you think you have control over
“I am so sure the way they behaved was not the way they were taught, and it doesn’t reflect the principles of the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun”, he stressed
