The Nigeria Union of Journalists has called for calm following the controversy surrounding the alleged harassment of journalists during the coverage of the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary election in Enugu State.
In a press update issued on Sunday, the Chairman of the NUJ Enugu State Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, said fresh engagements with the member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Nnolim Nnaji, and other stakeholders revealed that the misunderstanding may have arisen from communication gaps and heightened tension at the venue of the exercise.
According to the statement, “the misunderstanding surrounding the incident may have stemmed largely from the mode of communication adopted at the venue, heightened emotions, and flared nerves during the tense moments of the exercise.”
The Council disclosed that new information made available showed that the lawmaker denied attacking journalists but rather advised that space be created to allow visibility for candidates being conducted during the APC primary process.
“Late information revealed to us that the Honourable Lawmaker denied attacking journalists but advised for a space for visibility by the candidates being conducted for their victory at the party primary elections,” the statement noted.
While regretting the misunderstanding, the NUJ urged journalists, political actors, supporters, and members of the public to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions further.
“The misunderstanding is highly regretted while the Council calls on all parties, including journalists, political actors, supporters, and members of the public, to deescalate and avoid actions or statements capable of increasing further tensions,” Ogbuka stated.
The Council further revealed that Hon. Nnaji acknowledged the critical role of journalists and agreed that media professionals must be accorded respect and protection while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
“Rt Hon. Nnaji agreed with NUJ Enugu State Council that journalists remain committed professionals carrying out their constitutional responsibilities in the public interest who should at all times be accorded the respect, access, and protection necessary for the discharge of their legitimate duties,” the statement added.
Reaffirming the union’s position, the NUJ said the media and public office holders remain “partners in progress” in strengthening democracy, accountability, and development.
The Council also appreciated the intervention efforts of the Enugu State APC Chairman, Martin Chukwunweike, whom it said made concerted efforts to calm tensions as the situation unfolded.
“The Council also appreciates the intervention efforts of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State, Martin Chukwunweike, who, the Council learnt, made concerted efforts to contain the situation and ease tensions as events unfolded,” the statement read.
The NUJ equally thanked stakeholders for their concerns and constructive engagements following the incident and urged all parties to continue upholding democratic values, civility, and respect for press freedom in future political activities.
