Train derailment: FCT NUJ fumes over assault on journalist by NRC MD, Opeifa
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, FCT chapter, has condemned the assault on its member, a staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa.
The FCT NUJ condemned the development in a statement by its Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, on Friday.
According to the union, Opeifa reportedly rained abuses on Ladi Bala while she was covering the derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train on Wednesday.
NUJ described Opeifa’s action against its member as a blatant violation of the fundamental rights and dignity of humans, especially women in the profession.
It noted that Opeifa conduct is another clear indication of growing hostility against the media in Nigeria and the intolerant posture of government officials towards accountability and public scrutiny.
The union therefore demanded an immediate public apology from Opeifa over the incident.
“The NUJ FCT Council condemns the harassment and intimidation of journalists by the MD of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and demands an immediate public apology.
“The NRC MD was said to have subjected Ladi Bala to assault using words like “You are stupid”, “Your management is stupid”, “Foolish woman”, “Look at you, you are not even properly dressed”, “Useless”, “Who is watching NTA?”
“In the light of this, the NUJ demands an immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr Kayode Opeifa and calls on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take decisive actions to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
“The NUJ FCT Council condemns this act in its totality and has zero tolerance for harassment and intimidation of journalists in the FCT.
“The union will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and safeguard the rights and welfare of journalists in the FCT and beyond,” parts of the statement read.
Recall that six passengers were injured after the Abuja-Kaduna rail derailed in Jere on Tuesday.
The train corridor has been suspended since while investigation is ongoing to unravel the cause of the incident.
