The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), Alhaji Adeiza Momoh Jimoh, has appealed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to respect constitutional provisions safeguarding press freedom and the rights of journalists in the discharge of their professional duties.
In a statement, the NUJ Zone D expressed concern over the reported arrest and detention of the Editor of Kogi Reports, Mr Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the NSCDC in Kogi State.
The union noted that the circumstances surrounding the incident, as reported in the media, raise important questions about the role of security agencies in a democratic society and the protection of freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Alhaji Momoh jimoh urged the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC to remain professional, impartial and guided by the rule of law, stressing that security agencies should not be used by individuals or political actors to pursue personal or political interests.
According to the statement, the statutory responsibilities of the NSCDC do not include determining the accuracy of journalistic reports or detaining journalists over publications concerning public office holders.
The union maintained that individuals who feel aggrieved by media reports have access to established legal channels through which they can seek redress.
The NUJ further appealed to politicians and public office holders to refrain from using state security institutions to intimidate or harass journalists and other citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
It emphasised that democratic governance is strengthened through accountability, transparency and the free exchange of ideas, rather than through actions that could undermine public confidence in institutions.
The union described the reported action of the NSCDC in Kogi State as a development capable of negatively affecting press freedom and urged relevant authorities to take appropriate steps to address the matter.
Consequently, the NUJ called on the Commandant-General of the NSCDC to investigate the incident and ensure that officers found to have acted outside the provisions of the law or professional standards are held accountable.
Reaffirming its commitment to the defence of press freedom, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of citizens, the union urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and create an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their legitimate professional responsibilities without fear of intimidation or persecution.
