The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the molestation of Jide Oyekunle, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Correspondents Chapel, by officers of the Nigerian Police Force at the Eagle Square, Abuja, during Thursday’s nationwide protest.
According to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the act was an attempt to suppress press freedom.
Ojukwu further described it as a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of Oyekunle and other arrested journalists who should be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation and harassment.
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 statement revealed that Oyekunle who is a journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper was harassed alongside Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times; Mary Adeboye of News Central Television and Kayode Jaiyeola, a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper.
According to the NHRC boss, the actions undermine 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,” said Ojukwu who called 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.