The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the clampdown on newspaper vendors and distributors in Imo State by security Operatives at Rotibi Street, Owerri where vendors usually assemble to receive and distribute newspapers.
In a release signed by the caretaker chairman, Imo NUJ, Comrade Precious Nwadike and the caretaker secretary, Comrade Austin Okoro and made available to newsmen, it reads, before now, we had also learnt that the New Telegraph Newspaper Sales Representative was arrested at Banana Junction, Orlu by security operatives (though information has it that he has been released).
“This latest onslaught on the pen profession and its ancillary arms seem to be a very loud confirmation of the much talked about fast drift of the nation away from democracy to tyranny, chaos and oppression. We consider this development highly worrisome and call on the security agents to be more circumspect in their dealings with the people.
We suppose we are still under a democratic dispensation and our profession is protected by Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution and other extant laws of the land. The media remains a bastion of democracy and should for no reason be gagged”.
“We therefore call on the security agents to release the remaining vendor/s or come up with explanation of the offence they committed beyond selling newspapers at their various newspaper stands.
Where any serious offence(s) known to the laws of Nigeria is/are established against them, we urge that they be charged to the court for open trial than holding them beyond the time stipulated by the law.
We believe Nigeria’s constitution guarantees them to engage in their means of livelihood for which they are being held. Anything contrary to this demands explanation. Now is time to work towards peace in all fronts than doing things that fuel anarchy”, the release stated.
