NUJ Enugu clarifies reported APC primary election misunderstanding involving journalists and a lawmaker, urging calm, dialogue, and respect for press freedom.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, has issued a clarification regarding the reported misunderstanding that occurred during coverage of the recent APC primary election in Enugu State, urging all parties to remain calm and avoid escalating tensions.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the union said engagements with stakeholders and fresh information available to the Council indicated that the situation may have largely resulted from communication gaps, heightened emotions, and tension at the venue of the exercise.
According to the statement, “the misunderstanding surrounding the incident may have stemmed largely from the mode of communication adopted at the venue, heightened emotions, and flared nerves during the tense moments of the exercise.”
The Council further noted that subsequent findings suggested the lawmaker involved in the incident did not intentionally target journalists as earlier perceived.
“Late information revealed to us that the Honourable Lawmaker did not attack journalists as was erroneously communicated but advised for a space for visibility by the candidates being conducted for their victory during the party primary elections,” the statement added.
The Council described the development as regrettable and appealed for calm among all concerned parties.
“The misunderstanding is highly regretted while the Council calls on all parties, including journalists, political actors, supporters, and members of the public, to de-escalate and avoid actions or statements capable of increasing further tensions,” the statement said.
The union reaffirmed the importance of press freedom and the professional role of journalists in democratic society.
“Journalists remain committed professionals carrying out their constitutional responsibilities in the public interest who should at all times be accorded the respect, access, and protection necessary for the discharge of their legitimate duties,” the Council stated.
The Council also stressed that the media and public office holders remain partners in strengthening democracy, accountability, and development.
“The media and public office holders are partners in progress in the collective task of deepening democracy, promoting accountability, and advancing development in society,” it added.
The NUJ Enugu State Council also appreciated the intervention efforts of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State, Martin Chukwunweike, whom it said made efforts to calm tensions and manage the situation as events unfolded during the APC primary election.
The Council further commended stakeholders for their constructive engagements following the incident and expressed confidence that issues arising from political activities and media coverage could be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.
It urged all parties to continue upholding democratic values, civility, and respect for press freedom in future engagements.
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