NUJ slams DSS over attack on journalists at Edo election tribunal

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has condemned the attack by the officials of the Department of State Service (DSS), on journalists covering the Edo State Election Tribunal on Monday.

There was a rowdy session at the tribunal on Monday, with suspected political thugs led by Tony Kabaka, a loyalist of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state captured in videos trying to disrupt proceedings.

Kabaka who was being urged by a team of police officers to calm down, had insisted that if himself and his boys must leave the tribunal, journalists who were in a bus must also leave.

Meanwhile, in a statement signed by the council’s chairman, Festus Alenkhe and Secretary, Andy Egbon, respectively, the union said the attempt to bar journalists from performing their constitutional duties is a blatant assault on press freedom and the fundamental right of citizens to information and free speech.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council condemn in strong terms, the unwarranted attack on journalists by officials of the Department of State Services at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting on Monday, January 20, 2025.

“The actions of the DSS operatives are not only unacceptable but also a clear indication of the growing hostility towards the media in Nigeria.

“We therefore call on the Director-General of the DSS and the Edo State Director of the service to take immediate steps to caution their personnel and prevent future occurrences.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues who were harassed and intimidated by the DSS operatives. We demand an unconditional apology to NUJ and an assurance that journalists will be allowed to perform their duties without hindrance, failure which the union will take further steps to express its displeasure, including boycotting activities of the organization in Edo State.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, will continue to advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists rights. We urge all stakeholders to join us in condemning this brazen attack on democracy and the free press.”