NUJ tackles Sanwo-Olu’s CSO for alleged journalists harassment

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, has called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to check  his Chief Security Officer, Kunle Fagbemi, following what the union described as repeated harassment of journalists.

This followed a Saturday incident at the Lagos House, Ikeja, where Fagbemi allegedly verbally assaulted and obstructed members of the governor’s official press crew while they were carrying out their duties at the event.

In a Monday statement signed by its Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, and Secretary, Tunde Olalere, the union expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of unprofessional conduct by the CSO, noting that Saturday’s incident marked the third time Fagbemi had been accused of intimidating journalists.

“This growing pattern of intimidation is not only unprofessional but also an affront to press freedom and democratic values,” the NUJ said.

The union condemned what it called an abuse of power by the CSO, warning that it would not tolerate further attempts to undermine the constitutional rights of journalists to carry out their duties.

“It is unfortunate that the concerned personnel, who ought to know better, has chosen to act in such a manner under the guise of performing his duties,” the statement read.

The NUJ demanded an immediate apology from Fagbemi and urged him to familiarise himself with the role of the media in a democracy. The union also called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to take steps to prevent future occurrences.

Last Saturday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, confirmed to The PUNCH that he had been briefed on the incident and assured that the situation was being resolved amicably.

“As soon as I heard about it, we’ve had a meeting with the press corps and we’ve apologised to them for what happened, and I’ve also spoken with the affected Chief Security Officer to the governor. He also told me his own side that he was trying to tell them not to go beyond a certain place, but I believe it was a misunderstanding. It’s something that will be resolved amicably.”

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