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NUJ condemns invasion of The Sun Newspapers by EFCC

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8 years ago

June 13, 2017

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists has castigated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for invading the premises of The Sun Newspapers in Lagos today (Monday).

The National President, NUJ, Abdulwaheed Odusile in a statement in Abuja condemned the development, saying that the union was truly worried that at a time when the Nigerian security forces need the support and cooperation of the media in fighting terrorism, corruption and other criminal activities in the country, the media is now being attacked by the same security operatives.

According to the President, there can be no valid explanation to this act of intimidation by the EFCC which swooped on the premises of the newspapers.

National Daily gathered that as a result of the invasion, the staff were prevented from either entering or exiting to the premises.

“This unfortunately led to the disruption of operations particularly the circulation of the newspapers,” he added.

Odusile further reiterated that in a democracy, security personnel should not be seen to be intimidating the media no matter the perceived offence, rather civilised means and ways should be employed to check any excesses or misdemeanour.

“It becomes more disheartening according to NUJ President when such an invasion was carried out without any cogent reason, thus giving the impression that the action was merely a political act aimed at instilling fear into the organisation.

“The Union regrets this violation of press freedom and freedom of Journalists to work without being molested.

“The EFCC will do well to unconditionally apologise for this untoward act in the interest of our democracy because the media remain the only voice of the masses, Odusile cautioned.

Attempts made to reach EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren to comment or give reasons for the invasion was not possible as his phone was switched off.