By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government House Press Crew commends the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Bauchi State Command, for his prompt and decisive intervention following the reported assault on one of its members, Bashir Adamu of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation (BRC), at the Yankari Game Reserve.
The incident occurred during the official commissioning of upgraded projects at the Yankari Game Reserve, attended by Bauchi State Government officials and a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), where a DSS officer attached to the visiting delegation was alleged to have physically assaulted the journalist while he was carrying out his professional duties.
The Press Crew,in a Press release issued and made available to Journalists yesterday,particularly commended the immediate intervention of the State Director of the DSS, who promptly convened a meeting involving the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Usman Shehu; the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado; the Chairman of the Government House Press Crew, Mr. John Habila Murai; and the affected journalist, Bashir Adamu.
According to the release signed by Mr. John Habila Murai, Chairman; and Isiyaka Ismail Wunti, Secretary; Government House Press Crew, “The Press Crew considers the meeting a significant step towards resolving the matter amicably, particularly as both parties agreed on the need to establish a standing liaison mechanism to promptly address future misunderstandings and strengthen professionalism, communication and mutual understanding in the discharge of official duties.”
The Press Crew also welcomed the assurance by the DSS Director that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the officer involved if found culpable.
While unequivocally condemning any form of assault, intimidation or harassment of journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties, the Press Crew believed that the prompt response of the DSS leadership demonstrates the importance of institutional accountability and constructive engagement in resolving such incidents.
The release equally acknowledged the solidarity and concern demonstrated by its mother union, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, as well as professional colleagues and other stakeholders who expressed concern over the incident.
“Special appreciation also goes to the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Usman Shehu, and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, for their intervention and commitment towards ensuring an amicable and just resolution of the matter”, the release added.
The incident underscores the need for stronger understanding, communication and cooperation between security agencies and the media.
“While security agencies have the responsibility to protect lives, property and public institutions, journalists must equally be allowed to perform their constitutional and professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or physical assault.
“The Government House Press Crew remains committed to constructive engagement with security agencies and other stakeholders in promoting mutual respect, professionalism and peaceful cooperation as partners in the service of the public.”
