Adamawa State Journalists may consider boycotting the activities of the State Police Command over unwarranted molestation of the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) state council, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan.
The Chairman of the union was reported to had been assaulted by the Jimeta Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who along side his men invaded the Secretariat of the union in their efforts to enforce lockdown order imposed by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The DPO and his men stormed the Secretariat of the union Yesterday evening in 3 hilux vans in search for those that flouted the lockdown order; hence the molestation and arrest of staff of the centre.
According to eyewitnesses, similar incident occurred during the week when the Police stormed the Press Center where they molested those they met at centre.
Sources told NEWS PLATFORM that some of the police officers used sticks while others used their AK-47 riffle in beating those arrested at the Secretariat before pushing them into their awaiting vehicle.
To fully enforce the lockdown order on Comrade Dedan according to reports, one Police Sergeant attempted to slap the NUJ boss, but the officer was instantly cautioned by the Chairman over his attempt to slap him.
During the operation, the DPO and his men equally succeeded in arresting a Legal Practitioner, Manager of a Commercial Bank, Controller Federal Inland Revenue and a Medical Doctor who were caught playing long tennis at the premises of the Secretariat.
It was learnt that those arrested were taken to the State Police Headquarters in Yola for prosecution, and that it took the intervention of the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Madaki who ordered for the release of those arrested.
Meanwhile, the action of the police against Adamawa Journalists left many people wondering as to the effectiveness of the directives by the Commissioner of Police to Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders and Operational Commanders on the enforcement of the order.
In paragraph 5 of the statement dated 31st March, 2020, by the CP and signed by the Public Relation Officer of the Command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said: "..this order exempted some essential service personnel, such as Medical officers, Firefighters, Journalists on official duties and PHCN officials".
But in his reaction to the incident while speaking to Radio Nigeria, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan said that he was at the press center in his capacity as the Chairman of the union to monitor compliance with the order.
Comrade Dedan stated that the leadership of the union will be holding an emergency meeting later today, and that the meeting will determine the kind of action to be taken by the union over the incident.
In the same vein, cross section of media practitioners who spoke to NEWS PLATFORM said that the may be forced to take drastic measures which include mobilising all Journalists to give the activities of the Police in Adamawa State black out, saying boycotting the activities of the Police is the best option.
The attack on the Chairman of the NUJ caused outrage amongst the Practitioners who reacted on NUJ platform thus:
In his comments, the immediate past Chairman of the Union, Abubakar Salisu said: "It is so sad and surprising my Chair. The Nigerian police have asked for it, and they must pay for it. However, the police commissioner deserves commendation for his prompt action".
Abubakar Salisu added: As I stated earlier, myself, Director Media and Communication, Mr. Solomon Kumangar, the Chairman of the Union, Isa Tukur of ABC were at the centre by 10 o'clock". He said that the aforementioned officials met him there to ensure compliance,
and that he later left the secretariat by 12 noon, saying he could tell what happened after he left.
On his part, Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, Abdullahi Tukur stated in Hausa Language thus:" ...idan ba mun dauki mataki ba, wulakanci da cin fuska sai ya wuce haka, which means "what will happen to us will be more than this if we fail to take action ".
Sounding thunderous, Abdulrahman Pulaku of Radio Pulaku said: "This is uncalled for most especially at this point in time when synergy should be our watchword. Hardluck Chairman". Saying that the police must apologise to the entire union.
Yinka Adanusi of TVC: "We dont need to be sentimental neither need to be carried away by our feelings. Though the action of the police is wrong, let look at other side too. Those operating NUJ should have suspended business, since government has banned social gathering.
Journalist's like medical personnel are in battle field against the killer virus. We are not immune".
Giwa Hebron of Galaxy TV said, "please, Mr Auwal, don't joke with this; we need to condemn such act". While on her part, Jawati Friday Jangati of FRCN Fombina said that the molestation of the Chairman is "so sad".
Good report, I was there with de chair and Austin....de action of the police SARS operatives is condemnable, they actually acted on directives.
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