NUJ FCT Condemns Assault on Journalist by PDP Staff, Demands Apology

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned the assault on a member of the council, Mr. Ndubuisi Orji, a correspondent with The Sun Newspaper, at the Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

The incident occurred on Monday, January 5, 2025, at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, when Orji was reportedly about to enter the press center to perform his lawful duties. Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a staff member of the PDP, allegedly accosted and assaulted the journalist.

In a statement issued by the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, Jide Oyekunle, the union demanded an unreserved apology from the PDP within 48 hours and threatened to escalate the matter with the appropriate security authorities.

The statement reads, “The incident took place when Mr. Ndubuisi Orji was about to enter the press centre. The NUJ describes the attack as irresponsible, uncivilised, unwarranted, and an affront to press freedom.”

Orji recounted his ordeal, explaining that as he approached his car, Okoronkwo violently prevented him from entering the press center and began physically assaulting him, even damaging his mobile phone. Okoronkwo reportedly claimed that the assault was based on an order from Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the PDP National Secretary, who allegedly directed that no journalists be allowed into the secretariat.

As Orji recounted, “As I was heading to my car, Okoronkwo descended on me with a series of slaps, assaulting me until private security guards intervened. He even threatened to deal with me further.”

However, Senator Samuel Anyanwu denied issuing such an order, explaining that the party was on holiday and that he had not been present when the incident took place. He also claimed that efforts to reach out to Orji had been unsuccessful. “The party was on holiday; I was not there when he came,” Anyanwu clarified, adding that he was not involved in any order to harm Orji.

In response, the NUJ FCT Council strongly condemned Okoronkwo’s actions, describing them as reckless, ignoble, and unacceptable. “Any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate information,” the statement continued.

The NUJ emphasized the importance of a free press, noting that the assault represented a serious threat to democratic principles. “Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the media but also jeopardize the safety of all journalists striving to inform the public,” the union said.

The union has called for an immediate investigation into the incident and demanded that the PDP issue a public apology within 48 hours, to be published in two national dailies. Additionally, the NUJ has demanded that the PDP replace Orji’s damaged mobile phone.

Failure to comply with these demands, the NUJ warned, would compel the union to seek legal redress and justice for its member.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand immediate action to protect journalists and uphold the values of press freedom,” the statement concluded.