…Says Journalists Are Essential Service Providers
The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Monday cautioned security agencies in the state against harassment of journalists while on duty performing their statutory responsibilities.
In a release jointly signed by the state Chairman of the Union, COMRADE ADEMOLA BABALOLA and Secretary, COMRADE SOLA OLADAPO in Ibadan, the council demanded that security agencies should accord its members the deserved respect as they continue to perform their duty as essential service providers during the ongoing dusk to dawn curfew declared by the State Government.
The NUJ stated further that journalists are major stakeholders in the efforts to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), hence they deserved to be protected by the security agencies not to be harassed.
The union however called on heads of security agencies in the state to caution their officers from harassing journalists in the discharge of their duties during the period of the curfew.
It also called on media organisations to provide kits and sanitisers to their crews and ensure only experienced reporters are made to handle critical report at this critical period.
The NUJ also urged members to maintain social distancing during live interview programmes while hand washing basins and sanitisers be provided at every important corridor.
The union also called on media managers to allow their colleagues work from home except where it was absolutely necessary to come to office or their various studios.
