Admin I Monday, August 25, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria- The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has called on the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to call to order his Chief Security Officer, Mr Kunle Fagbemi, over repeated incidents of harassment of journalists carrying out their lawful duties.
The most recent incident reportedly took place on Saturday at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during an empowerment programme, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, a project of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Fagbemi allegedly verbally assaulted and obstructed the governor’s official press crew from discharging their duties.
In a statement signed by the NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, the union expressed concern over what it described as misconduct by the CSO, stating that this marked the third reported instance of Fagbemi’s malreatment of journalists.
“This growing pattern of intimidation is not only unprofessional but also an affront to press freedom and democratic values.
“The NUJ will not stand idly by while overzealous individuals infringe on the rights of members of the Fourth Estate to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
“The NUJ will resist any attempt to undermine press freedom.
“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,” Ajayi said.
The Lagos NUJ reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom and noted that it would ensure that the rights of its members are protected.
The Union urged Fagbemi to desist from harassing journalists or obstructing them in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
The Union demands an apology from the officer involved.
It said the officer must also take steps to acquaint himself with the critical roles journalists play in a democracy.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state. They are partners in democratic governance, and their rights must be respected at all times,” Ajayi said.
