Journalist’s in Plateau State Protest’s Attacks, Condemn Harrassment on Member’s

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

Journalist’s in Plateau state under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Journalist’s, NUJ, Plateau State Council on Thursday protested what it termed “attacks and harassment of Journalist’s and media organisations in the country”.

Media organisation’s and journalist’s across the state participated in the peaceful protest held at the state Council’s secretariat around Hill-Station Junction, Jos, the state capital. Member’s of the fourth estate of the realm carried placards with various inscriptions like “enough is enough”, “stop intimidation of journalist’s”, “we are not in military era”, “enough of impunity and muzzling of press and democracy” and “we will resist efforts to muzzle the media” among others. Member’s of veteran journalist’s also participated in the protest.

A former Chairman of the body in Plateau state, Mr Katdapba Gobum appealed to states and Federal government to effectively take up measures towards protecting journalists and to fully implement the African declaration on freedom of expression.

He also called on State governors and Federal government to ensure that Nigerian state move forward by protecting media practitioner’s who are going about their legitimate business of reporting.

While speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Mr Paul Jatau, the Vice Chairman, Mr Benjamin Mitu who spoke on behalf of the state council said the peaceful demonstration is to call the attention of the entire world on the recent unprovoked attacks on media organisation’s across the country.

He said “some of our colleagues are in detention for performing their duty to investigate events before going to press. Some are harassed and killed by unknown gun men”.