NUJ Condemns Alleged Attack on Journalists at Enugu APC Primary, Demands Probe

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of journalists by a member of the House of Representatives, Nnoli Nnaji, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Enugu.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the NUJ Enugu State Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the union described the alleged conduct of the lawmaker as “shameful, undemocratic, and unacceptable.”

According to the union, journalists who were officially invited by the APC leadership to cover the primary election along Abakaliki Road, GRA, Enugu, were allegedly harassed and forcefully chased away from the venue by the lawmaker.

The NUJ also alleged that Nnaji ordered some thugs to prevent journalists from accessing the centre where results of the primaries were expected to be announced, a development it said created tension and fear around the electoral process.

“The NUJ views these actions as a direct assault on press freedom, democracy, and the fundamental rights of journalists to carry out their lawful duties without fear, harassment, or intimidation,” the statement said.

The council further expressed concern over alleged comments credited to the lawmaker suggesting that the APC no longer needed the support of journalists and the people of Enugu State to win elections.

It described the alleged remarks as reckless and inflammatory, warning that such statements raise concerns about transparency and credibility in the conduct of the exercise.

The NUJ said it was disgraceful for a public office holder sworn to uphold the Nigerian Constitution to allegedly intimidate journalists and deploy thugs against media practitioners.

The union called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and bring those responsible to account.

It also warned that further harassment or attacks on journalists in Enugu State would not be tolerated, stressing that the media remains a critical pillar of democracy.

The council assured journalists affected by the incident of its support and commitment to defending the rights, dignity, and safety of media practitioners across the state.