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Group condemns attack on Abia journalist by FCMB security guard

THE Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has condemned the attack on Emmanuel Nwazue, a journalist with Afia TV, Abia State, by security guards attached to a branch of First City Monument Bank (FCMB). 

In a statement signed by the coalition, the attack was said to have been carried out on Akanu Ibiam Way (Bank Road), Umuahia, the state capital, during the nationwide protest on Monday, June 3. 

Nwazue, in a chat with a coalition member working at the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), said he was at the bank to monitor compliance with the indefinite nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) when he was attacked by two security guards working with the bank. 

Nwazue added that the security guards who accosted him while interviewing people around the bank area demanded that he hand over his camera to them.



When he refused to do so, after he had explained to them that he was a journalist, the guards descended on him and inflicted injuries on him.

Demand for apology

The CWPPF noted that the attack on Nwazue was a violation of his fundamental human rights and also disregard for the Constitution of Nigeria which gives journalists the freedom to inform the public and hold power accountable.




     

     

    “Such a condemnable act from the security guards is totally unacceptable,” the coalition said in its statement. 

    The CWPPF demanded that a thorough investigation be conducted into the incident by the management of FCMB and that the two security guards be brought to account and made to face the consequences of their actions.

    The coalition added, “We also demand a public apology to Mr Emmanuel Nwazue from FCMB. Attacks on journalists in the course of their duty have no place in a democracy and must be shunned by all.”

    Read Also:

    In the last two months, The ICIR has reported the rising attacks on journalists, some of which include the invitation of The ICIR, Premium Times, and FIJ journalists by security operatives

    Kehinde Ogunyale tells stories by using data to hold power into account. You can send him a mail at jameskennyogunyale@gmail or Twitter: Prof_KennyJames | LinkedIn: Kehinde Ogunyale

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