NUJ kicks as Ebo Stone assaults journalist, cameraman in Edo govt house
It was an embarrassing moment on Wednesday when Juliet Enabulele-Asein, a journalist with the state-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) attached to the Office of the First Lady, and a cameraman Bright Osifo were allegedly assaulted by one Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone.
In a statement signed by the Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Festus Alenkhe, and its Secretary Andy Egbon, Juliet Enabulele-Asein was said to have been assaulted and manhandled by Kelly Okungbowa at a public function in Benin City on Wednesday December 3.
Further investigations revealed that the incident occurred at the New Festival Hall, Edo State Government House, Benin City, during an empowerment programme for 250 physically challenged people.
The NUJ condemned the action calling it a blatant attack on press freedom.
The statement read in part: “The leadership of the union considers this act as a blatant attack on press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the right of media professionals to carry out their lawful duties without fear, intimidation, or violence.
“The NUJ further warns that attacks on journalists in the line of duty will no longer be tolerated, and urges members of the public, especially public figures, to exercise restraint and show respect for the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability.”
The statement further called for the arrest and investigation of Kelly Okungbowa by security agencies, as well as the dispensing of justice on the matter.
The development is coming at a time when the State Government prides itself in its fight against cultism and hooliganism in the State, thereby leaving the veracity of such claim to question, if those alleged to be state actors or affiliates of the State Government could be bold enough to inflict physical injuries on government staff going about their daily jobs.
Commentators have also complained about the government’s seeming parley with those they classify as thugs, who roam around daily at the State Government House and public functions, harassing and intimidating actual staff of the State.
While citizens and residents of the State as well as the global community await the State Government’s action on the issue, the question that has left many hazy borders around the role of thugs in the daily activities of a State.
