PRESS FREEDOM: Bauchi Radio Corporation Condemns Brutal Assault On Staff

 

The Management of Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) has condemned in the strongest terms the brutal assault by security personnel reportedly of the State Security Service meted out to one of its staff attached to the Bauchi State Government House during an official state function at Yankari Game Reserve.

 

BRC press statement released and signed by Umar Muhammad Shira, Managing Director of the Corporation, describes the incident involving Bashir Adamu as barbaric, unacceptable, and a serious affront to press freedom, the dignity of the media profession, and the fundamental human rights of a Journalist carrying out his legitimate official duties.

 

According to the statement, while acknowledging the legitimate responsibilities of security agencies to protect public officials and maintain order at official functions, such responsibilities must be exercised within the bounds of the law, professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights, and that security duties cannot be used as a justification for brutality against members of the press who are performing legitimate professional assignments.

 

The BRC Management therefore joins the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, in its call for an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

The Management further calls for the identification of the officer involved and the implementation of appropriate disciplinary sanctions if found culpable in accordance with the ethics and regulations governing the service.

 

It is important to remind the security establishment that acts of intimidation, harassment and physical assault against Journalists are practices that should have long disappeared with the advent and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, where democratic environment requires mutual respect between security agencies, government institutions and the media.

 

Therefore, the Management of BRC expresses its solidarity with the affected staff and assures him and all staff that the Corporation will continue to defend their right to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or unlawful interference.

BRC also appeals to the relevant authorities to strengthen proper briefings and clearly defined inter-agencies relationship during public functions, particularly on media access.

 

Finally, the Management remains committed to the principles of press freedom, professional journalism, human dignity and democratic accountability, and expects all institutions of government to uphold these values.