The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has cautioned the Nigerian Police against suppressing press freedom in the country.
The Commission which condemned the molestation of journalists by the Nigerian Police made the statement against the backdrop of the incident that greeted the hunger protest tagged; #EndBadGovernance in Abuja.
The incident, which occurred at the Eagle Square according to the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, was a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of press.
Those molested included Jide Oyekunle, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel and journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper; Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times; Mary Adeboye of News Central Television and Kayode Jaiyeola, a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper.
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The position of the Commission was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Obinna Nwakonye, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.
The NHRC emphasised that journalists have the constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or molestation” he said.
According to the ES, the Police’s actions undermined the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“We call on the Nigerian Police to respect the rights of journalists and protesters, and to ensure that their actions align with international human rights standards,” the statement said.
Ojukwu said the Commission is calling on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC within 10 days.
“We reiterate our commitment to protecting human rights and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law in Nigeria” he added.
