The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the missing Vanguard newspaper Journalist, Mr Tordue Salem who was killed by a confessed hit and run driver in the Mabushi area of Abuja.
The Minister while expressing his sadness over the incident in a statement signed by his Chief Press secretary, Mr Tony Ogunleye, also condoled with the family of Mr Salem and prayed that God Almighty grants them comfort in this difficult period.
Bello also sent his condolences to the Management of Vanguard Newspapers and the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, over the incident.
He then commended the Police Force Intelligence Bureau for its efforts in unravelling the circumstances leading to the demise of the journalist and called on members of the public to promptly report all suspected criminal matters to the security agencies.
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The Minister assured residents of the FCT of the Administration’s commitment to ensure the safety of all lives and property within the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has called for an independent probe into circumstances surrounding the death of Tordue Salem.
In a press statement on Friday in Abuja, jointly signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochiaka Ugwu, chairman and secretary of Council respectively, the union said it was disturbed by the death of Mr Salem and the account of the police was not in sync with the credible investigation.
“The death of Mr Tordue Salem opens another dark chapter for journalism and journalists in Nigeria and we are grievously saddened by it.
“While the NUJ appreciates the effort of the police in finding the corpse of Mr. Salem, as a union we are not persuaded by the account of the police as it poses more questions than answers.
”It is in this regard that we urge President Muhammadu Buhari to order for an independent inquiry into the tragic end of Mr. Tordue.
“The NUJ also demands for an independent autopsy so as to allay the fears of thousands of journalists and citizens across the country that indeed the late Mr. Tordue was a victim of a hit and run driver.”
According to the union, the very fact that the family of the deceased, as well as the leadership of the union, were not contacted prior to the public announcement of the finding of his corpse remains suspicious as well as the identity of whoever deposited it at the morgue.
The statement expressed the fear that without concrete action and bringing to book those responsible for the dastardly act, more journalists will be in grave danger and further weaken democratic ethos and the ability to hold the government accountable.
The NUJ also called for robust action to ensure the protection of journalists and to repeal laws that are being used to prosecute them.
“The NUJ is deeply concerned that the space for press freedom is fast shrinking, with the authority and political officeholders using draconian laws as well as new measures to silence critical voices and independent media.”
It cited rising threats to press freedom to include authority and political officeholders to harass journalists by smearing critical coverage as fake news and new laws related to digital communication, which would effectively silence journalists from holding the government accountable to the people.
The union called on the international community to focus on Nigeria and help to bring to account all those responsible for media abuse, intimidation, harassment and even murder.
It would be recalled that Salem was reported missing last month and was officially reported to the National Assembly Police Station on the 15th of October.
PR/PIAK
