Members of the Correspondents Chapel in Adamawa State are boycotting a media parley with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri scheduled for Friday to protest manhandling of three journalists by the police.
A press statement jointly signed by the chapel’s chairman, Daji Sani and secretary, Oniimisi Alao, stated that a policeman from MOPOL 14 Base in Yola, Sergeant Ibrahim Adamu, had manhandled three journalists on the directive of Humwashi Wunosikou, the press secretary to Governor Fintiri.
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The union condemned the incident, which occurred on Thursday at the Yola International Airport, saying it is unfortunate and an infringement on press freedom.
“The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Adamawa State registers its displeasure over the manhandling of its members today (Thursday) May 27, at the International Airport Yola following directive by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s Humwashi Wonosikou that journalists shouldn’t be allowed in to presidential lodge.
“Consequently, the Correspondents’ Chapel resolved at an emergency congress to boycott the media chat slated for Friday and other activities of the Adamawa State government.
“The Chapel demands unreserved apology from the Press Secretary Humwashi Wonosikou for the unfortunate directive,” the statement added.
When contacted, Humwashi denied giving any directive to molest journalists, saying he only prevented them from entering the VIP lounge at the airport.
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