-News/Comments, November 5, 2021.
ABUJA-The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Thursday, has condemned the intimidation and detention of a journalist, Mr Jide Babalola, Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President on Print Media at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Mr. Babalola was illegally detained for over two hours by the National Assembly Police Division on the instruction of Hon. Tolulope Akande-Shadipe (APC Oyo) for allegedly bumping into her in a lift at the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly Complex.
Hon. Akande-ShadipeIn a press statement in Abuja, jointly signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochiaka Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary of Council respectively, the NUJ renewed the call to end the culture of harassment and intimidation against journalists.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Thursday, has condemned the intimidation and detention of a journalist, Mr Jide Babalola, Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President on Print Media at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Mr. Babalola was illegally detained for over two hours by the National Assembly Police Division on the instruction of Hon. Tolulope Akande-Shadipe (APC Oyo) for allegedly bumping into her in a lift at the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly Complex. In a press statement in Abuja, jointly signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochiaka Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary of Council respectively, the NUJ renewed the call to end the culture of harassment and intimidation against journalists:
“The culture of intimidation, harassment and detention of journalists in this country is abhorrent and to now have a lawmaker who should know better aiding the abuse of a journalist sends a scary message that there is no respite in view,” the statement reads.
“The unjustified detention of Mr. Babalola is unacceptable and it is an infringement on his fundamental right as a citizen. It is unfortunate that this not an isolated incident’ in recent times, we have seen state actors using arbitrary force and threats of fines and charges to intimidate journalists.
“The National Assembly leadership must take concrete action to ensure that lawmakers such as Akande-Shadipe do not abuse privilege, rather should use their positions and offices to guarantee freedom of expression and protection and safety of journalists.
“To imagine that this brazen assault and abuse of privilege comes few days after the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists where many expressed concern about arrest of journalists and attacks on media freedom is galling.”
CAPITAL POST
Mr. Babajide’s Account
I was coming down from an elevator, there were about six or seven people in the elevator. So it was a bit crowded for all of us. There were about two women and I was being careful enough. Then she (Hon. Sadipe) said I almost bumped into her, and she continued accusing me that I bumped into her and then I said madam I didn’t bump into you. At that point, I didn’t know that she’s an honourable member, so I referred to her as madam which obviously didn’t sit well her. So it now made things worse, by the time we got to the ground floor, and then it became something else. So one of the persons in the elevator tried to beg but she was adamant.
“As I tried to explain that, look I am a man of 55 years old and I have put in 31 years in journalism, so I will not intentionally hurt a woman.”
And then she started screaming that do you know who I am. I am honourable Sadipe Akande. So in the process we ran into some lawmakers that were coming in with a minister, about four five of them. As soon as she sighted them, she continued to scream so one of them called me and asked what the problem is, I tried to explain. At some point, one of them said no matter how right I think I am, that I should apologize. So I did. So I thought the matter had subsided, as I was about moving to the exit she kept following me behind. Just at the exit where security personnel usually sit she beckoned on the sergeant at arms to pick me up, that she’ is going out until whenever she is done, that they should hold me.”
Hon. Akande’s response
“This is a case of Gender harassment. He got into the elevator after me. I was talking to a staff of NASS. All I said to him was please don’t step back and he turned on me, intimidating me. Because I am a woman. This is a case of Gender bias and gender intimidation. He was held by the NASS security as I felt intimidated by him and I made a formal complaint, which they are free to investigate. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, I know will not condone what he has done. I have since left the building to a meeting outside National Assembly. Then I see his media blackmail floating around on social media.”
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