Rivers Lockdown: Intimidation of Journalists unacceptable, says Group

The alleged intimidation of Journalists during the period of the lockdown in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpo local government areas, of Rivers State, is now a source of concern to citizens, especially the Civil Rights Council in the State.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Uzoma Kelechi Secretary, and Prince Wiro, Chairman Civil Rights Council Rivers State.

The statement signed May 9, 2020, reads: Civil Rights Council, Rivers State condemns in its entirety the reported obstruction of Journalists by Rivers State Task Force reportedly led by its State Coordinator, Bright Amawhule from passing their desired route to their destination.

The Council express surprise that the same organisation that have benefited immensely from publicity of their activities by Journalists both print and electronic media would hinder free movement of media personnel even when the Governor of the State,His Excellency,Nyesom Wike had acknowledged the fact that Journalists are among persons on essential duty.

Civil Rights Council advise the Rivers State Force on illegal motor park and street trading to stick to the mandate of disloging street traders and closure of illegal motor park given to them by the Rivers State Government.

We call on the Secretary to the Rivers State Government,Dr.Tammy Danagogo whose office is in charge of supervision of the Task Force to caution the Task Force from obstructing people on essential duty as such actions contravenes the scope of their operation.

The Council also call on the proactive and vibrant leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state to take necessary steps to ensure the rights of Journalists are protected and violators of rights of Journalists are made to face dire consequence in line with democratic and legal principles.

Civil Rights Council equally condemned reports of arrest and intimidation of people on essential duty during the lockdown in Obi/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government areas by overzealous security agencies .

We call on leadership of security agencies in the state to caution their personnel to reframe from arresting and harassing persons on essential duty.

The Council shall continue to document human rights abuses by state and non state actors during and after the Covid-19 pandemic with a view to bringing perpetrators to book.