Attack on journalists: NUJ talks tough

From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

The Nigeria Union of Journalist NUJ, has warned that the Union will no longer tolerate mindless attacks, intimidation and harassment of Journalists in the country.
The National President of NUJ Mr Chris Isiguzo gave the warning while interacting with Journalists in Bauchi State on Sunday, during his visit to the State for the one year remembrance service of the NUJ National Secretary’s mother, Shuaibu Leman.
He said: “Quite recently, a Journalist was picked up, and you recall he was on detention for two years before he was picked up again. For the second time he was picked up, remember, I did tell you that under our watch, we will not allow anyone mess any of you up. With our small intervention, he was released.”
Chris said that the safety of Journalists is very key and dear to his administration promising that “we will never toy with it.”
He said that: “The fact that you are a Journalist does not make you a criminal. Journalism is not a crime, you are only contributing to building a sane society. Therefore, all these mindless attacks, clamp down, assault, harassment and intimidation, we will not tolerate it, never.
“ I can assure you that wherever it happens and any Journalist that is touched anywhere, those who have done that should bear it in mind that they have touched the apple of their eyes and we will get justice for such members no matter what it takes. I am reiterating it, in fact, it (safety of Journalists) has become a mantra for us.”
President said that because the media practice is key to the survival of democracy in the country, his administration has prioritized the training and re-training of Journalists in the country to boost their capacity and efficiency.
He said that the issue of insurance for practicing Journalists has featured in all the councils he has visited.