Protest: GOCOP Condemns Attacks On Journalists By Security Agents As Undemocratic

August 12, 2024

Protest: GOCOP Condemns Attacks On Journalists By Security Agents As Undemocratic

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The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) strongly condemns the repeated attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide, labeling the actions as undemocratic and oppressive.

GOCOP emphasizes the crucial role of journalists as partners in national development and advocates for their protection rather than suppression, as attempted by security agents during the protests.

The body urges Nigerian authorities, especially security agencies, to recognize journalists as allies and champions of the marginalized, rather than viewing them as unwanted intruders or adversaries.

Highlighting the escalating harassment of journalists and the infringement on their right to life while carrying out their duties, GOCOP appeals to security agencies in Nigeria to prioritize the safety of journalists, particularly during protests, civil unrest, and electoral periods.

GOCOP underscores the media’s potential to facilitate peace-building efforts among political stakeholders, leaders, followers, and diverse ethnic groups in the nation, emphasizing the importance of allowing the media to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

Drawing from multiple media sources, GOCOP reports that over 30 journalists have been assaulted nationwide since the commencement of the protests on August 1. Media organizations such as Premium Times, Daily Independent, Punch, TVC News, Guardian, Pointer newspaper, and others have had their journalists attacked, with equipment like phones and cameras being confiscated or damaged.

While recognizing citizens’ right to protest, GOCOP warns against any demonstrations escalating into violence, which could be exploited by looters and miscreants.

It stresses the need for peaceful protests as a means of expressing discontent with governance issues, without providing opportunities for lawlessness.

The body also urges the security agencies to investigate, arrest and prosecute those found culpable in visiting mayhem and destruction on the nation and the citizenry.

GOCOP also strongly condemns the subversive actions of some disgruntled Nigerians in cahoots with foreigners who during the protest sewed, distributed and flew Russian flags in some states and called for unconstitutional change of government.

GOCOP sees such act as not only subversive but a direct affront on the sovereignty of the nation.

It calls on the Federal Government to ensure the diligent prosecution of those involved in such act that impugns the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria.

GOCOP appeals to President Bola Tinubu who for most part of his life championed the cause of democracy and independence of the media to prevail on the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to stop forthwith any form of harassment, intimidation, attack and arrest of journalists legitimately discharging their constitutionally assigned duties.

Media suppression does not only project Nigeria in bad light, it portrays the Tinubu government as a dictatorship in a democracy.

GOCOP urges journalists to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties by operating within the ambit of professionalism, fairness and factuality.

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Protest: GOCOP Condemns Attacks On Journalists By Security Agents As Undemocratic

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