NUJ FCT Council demands action on insecurity, press freedom as Nigeria marks 65th Independence

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called for urgent action on insecurity, press freedom, and journalists’ welfare. In a press statement signed by Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, the union expressed concern over the deepening challenges facing the country, including insecurity and threats to freedom of expression.

The NUJ FCT Council highlighted the tragic killing of journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was brutally murdered while investigating a story, as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in Nigeria.

The union demanded comprehensive security reforms, including community policing, state policing, and modern surveillance technology, to ensure the safety of citizens and journalists.

The NUJ FCT Council also called for improved working conditions, fair remuneration, and psychosocial support for journalists exposed to trauma and danger.

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The union emphasized that journalists are not enemies of the state, but rather the lifeblood of democracy, and their safety and welfare must be prioritized.

The statement read, “Sommie’s death is not just a personal loss; it is a national disgrace. She returned from abroad to serve her country with passion and professionalism. Her blood must not spill in vain.”

The NUJ FCT Council urged Nigerians to remember that democracy dies in silence and silence thrives when the press is unprotected.

The union rededicated itself to ethical journalism, anchored on truth, fairness, and public interest, and called on government, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in protecting the press and promoting the ideals of freedom, justice, and accountability.

The press release is published in extenso here under:

PRESS STATEMENT

Nigeria at 65: NUJ FCT Demands Urgent Action on Insecurity, Press Freedom, and Journalists’ Welfare

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, reflects not just on the gains of nationhood, but on the urgent and deepening challenges that continue to threaten our democracy, safety, and freedom of expression.

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It is the constitutional duty of the government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Yet, the senseless and avoidable killing of our colleague, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a rising star in Nigerian journalism, tragically underscores the reality: insecurity remains a pressing crisis.

We cannot celebrate independence while journalists are hunted or silenced and citizens live in fear. The NUJ FCT Council once again calls for comprehensive security reforms, including community policing, consideration of state policing, and the deployment of modern surveillance technology such as CCTV in our cities. The Minister of the FCT and relevant security agencies must rise to the occasion and act, not with words, but with results.

Journalists are not enemies of the state, they are the lifeblood of democracy, risking their lives daily to tell the truth, amplify the voices of the people, and hold those in power account. Their safety and welfare must be seen as national priorities. We demand: Improved working conditions; Fair remuneration and Psychosocial support for journalists exposed to trauma and danger

As we commemorate this symbolic anniversary, we rededicate ourselves to ethical journalism, anchored on truth, fairness, and public interest. But we cannot do it alone. Government, civil society, and the private sector must collaborate to protect the press and promote the ideals of freedom, justice, and accountability.

Sommie’s death is not just a personal loss; it is a national disgrace. She returned from abroad to serve her country with passion and professionalism. Her blood must not spill in vain. Let her memory ignite a renewed national commitment to protect journalists and confront insecurity with urgency and sincerity.

On this Independence Day, we call on Nigerians to remember that democracy dies in silence; and silence thrives when the press is unprotected.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council.

Signed:
Comrade Grace Ike
Chairman, NUJ FCT Council