Gov Adeleke Tenders Apology, As Ogun NUJ Condemns Attack On Member

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun Council, has condemned the attack on its Secretary by security agents attached to Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun state.

Comrade Wale Olanrenwaju, the Council Chairman, stated this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Olanrewaju condemned the deplorable, unjustifiable and inhumane attack on the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Bunmi Adigun and his camera man from the Ogun State Television (OGTV) by the overzealous and uncivilized security agents attached to Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The incident occurred, at Joga-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

”This reckless and reprehensible behaviour towards a member of the press, who was simply carrying out his professional duties, is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society, granted that any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information. The press must remain free, unshackled, and empowered to fulfill its vital role in society.

” It is deeply concerning that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding law and order would resort to using excessive force and intimidation against journalists. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the media but also erode the trust between the government and the people it serves.

”We urge the Governor Adeleke to take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists as attacks on the press will not be tolerated in any form and that those responsible shall be made to face the full force of the law.

”As a unified body, we stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand an immediate public……..apology to our colleague and a commitment from the Governor of Osun State to uphold the rights and safety of journalists. Any failure to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants will be viewed as a disregard for the rule of law and an assault on press freedom.”

While responding, the Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed tendered unreserved apologies to the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) for the reported unruly conduct of some security men at the Joga-Orile chieftaincy event.

“On behalf of the State Governor, I apologize to the Ogun State Secretary of the NUJ and any other journalist who may have been affected by the incident.

“However, we want to put it on records that several dignitaries attended the event with several security personnel of various sections and departments. The officials shown in the video do not belong to the convoy of the Osun state Governor

“While an internal investigation has been conducted, Governor Adeleke’ team, especially the security apparatus, operates strict guidelines to ensure full respect not just for journalists on their legitimate assignments but also to members of the public in the discharge of their duties.

“Governor Adeleke is a deeply media friendly leader who recently hosted the South West team of the NUJ with all state chairmen and officials in attendance.

“The Governor is also working to support the South West NUJ to host the national NUJ Conference later this year as the grand patron of NUJ for Osun state.

“However, as my Principal was the key guest at the Joga-Orile event, we apologize to the Ogun State Council Secretary and assure the NUJ locally and nationally that such incident will not reoccur again,” Rasheed said