- The Union also sympathized with families of fallen colleagues, and other media workers whose lives were cut short while carrying out their legitimate duties as journalists and media workers
As the world marks International Day to end Impunity and crimes against Journalists, The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State chapter, has commiserated with media houses in the country attacked during the Endsars protests.
The Union also felicitated with journalists and media workers in the State, including “ families of fallen colleagues, and other media workers whose lives were cut short while carrying out their legitimate duties as journalists and media workers”
A statement signed by Chairman and Secretary of the Union, Chris Akaraonye and Juliet Dim, the union expressed displeasure that journalists and media workers are still being harassed, intimidated, physically attacked and in some cases killed in the line of duty.
Part of the statement reads “Also, the recent attacks on media houses across the nation during the #EndSARS Protests was a worrisome development.
“We specifically remember the attacks and intimidation against some Imo based journalists and media workers simply for carrying out their duties.
“We call on governments at all levels to ensure that the security and dignity of journalists and media workers are safeguarded at all times.
“We, however, extoll the courage and professionalism exhibited by our journalists and media workers even in the face of daunting challenges of intimidation and attacks by both security agencies, state and non-state actors.
“As a Union, the leadership of Imo NUJ will always stand firm in defence of journalists and media workers who do their job in the state.
“We also promise to guide, guard and maintain the cordial relationship between journalists and security agencies including the public they serve.
“It is worthy to note that it is in recognition of the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution at its 68th session in 2013 which proclaimed November 2, as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ (IDEI)” the statement stated.
READ ALSO