Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday, described last Sunday’s attack on the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, as a clear sign of danger to Nigeria’s democracy and national security.
In a statement by NUJ National Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Leman, the union expressed worry about the attack, adding that Nigerians have watched with unbelief and with much alarm and fear as the ugly situation pulls the nation dangerously into vulnerability.
The statement read: “The recent robbery attack on the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Amuka at his Anthony Village residence in Lagos in the early hours of Sunday, June 5, 2016, has further heighten concerns about safety and security for journalists and the media in the country.
“This has brought to the fore another frightening dimension to the problems of insecurity, being the second time the publisher will be attacked in his residence. He was first attacked in 2014.
“The NUJ is thus worried by the alarming level of insecurity of life and property in the country which are clear signs of danger to Nigeria’s democracy and to national security.
“While the insecurity situation in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States is gradually being subdued, yet, elsewhere in the country, it continues to worsen as daily, human lives and property are being wasted wantonly.
“The federal government and the various security agencies continue to reassure citizens of adequate protection of life and property, yet the situation remains extremely precarious.
“The attack on Amuka was one too many and the union calls on the police to this time fish out the hoodlums and bring them to justice.
“The NUJ therefore cautions that it is imperative that the federal government immediately overhauls completely the security network in the country to reassure Nigerians of their security and that of their property.
“The nation cannot afford any further degeneration of the security situation with all the attendant consequences.”
