The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the molestation of journalists by the Nigerian Police at Eagle Square, Abuja during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
According to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the act is a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of press.
The Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Obinna Nwakonye emphasized in a statement on Friday that, journalists have the constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment or molestation.
He said Ojukwu 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 boss, 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”, he said.
Ojukwu called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC within ten days.
“We reiterate our commitment to protecting human rights and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law in Nigeria,” he added.
