KEY POINTS

• Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo chapter condemns the actions of DSS.
• They ask for apology to be tendered from the assault caused by DSS.
• A future action will be taken if this persists.

Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council has strongly condemned the actions of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives that attacked journalists covering the Edo State Election Tribunal on Monday January 20, 2025.

The incident constitutes direct assault on press and the fundamental right to information, the union said in a statement signed by the Chairman of the council, Festus Alenkhe and Secretary, Andy Egbon.

TNUJ Edo State condemns the attack on journalists within the DSS at the election tribunal and calls for an apology and guarantees for press freedom.

Moreover the union described the incident as a direct assault on press freedom and the fundamental right to information.

NUJ’s position on the incident

The NUJ condemned the incident and called the DSS operatives’ actions unacceptable and a development that indicates increasing hostility towards the media in Nigeria. The statement reads:

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

Demands by NUJ

The union has also called on the Director-General of the DSS and the Edo State Director of the service to:

Caution DSS Personnel: Prevent future occurrences of harassment against journalists.
Issue an Apology: Apologise unconditionally to the NUJ for the attack.
Guarantee Press Freedom: Make sure journalists can do their job free from pressure.

Failure to heed these demands, the NUJ warned, would lead to future action, including a possible boycott of Edo State activities of DSS.

Solidarity and advocacy

The NUJ repeated its standing with harassed journalists and reiterated its commitment to advocate for press freedom and safeguard the right of journalists.

Furthermore, the union urged stakeholders to join in condemning this attack, labeling it a “brazen assault on democracy and the free press.”

Call to action

In addition, enjoining on decisive action to protect the rights of journalists and uphold the principles of demcoracy, transperency and free speech in Nigeria, the NUJ stressed.