Amanze ChinonyeThe Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has strongly condemned the harassment and verbal assault of Comrade Ladi Bala, a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter, allegedly by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, while Bala, who is also the Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was covering the aftermath of a train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to witnesses, Opeifa confronted Bala at the scene, questioning her presence, disrupting her live coverage, and subjecting her to demeaning remarks. He allegedly used derogatory language such as “stupid,” “foolish woman,” and “useless,” while also ridiculing her appearance. Reports indicate he ordered security operatives to forcibly remove her from the location and threatened to report her to security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management.
The NUJ said in a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, that Opeifa’s conduct amounted to a violation of press freedom, human dignity, and the constitutional rights of journalists.
“When NUJ officials reached out to the Managing Director, he cited security reasons for stopping the live broadcast but continued to threaten Bala, vowing to prevent her from covering future NRC events. He even insulted the NUJ Chairman, Grace Ike, during attempts to resolve the matter,” the statement read.
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The union described the MD’s behavior as “dehumanizing, undemocratic, and a grave threat to press freedom,” citing sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the press.
“The inane attitude of Mr. Opeifa is another clear indication of growing hostility against the media in Nigeria and the intolerant posture of some government officials towards accountability and public scrutiny. Such conduct is unacceptable and contrary to the values of democracy and human rights,” the NUJ said.
The Council demanded an immediate, public apology from the NRC boss and urged the corporation to take decisive action to prevent a recurrence.
“The NUJ FCT Council stands firmly in solidarity with Comrade Ladi Bala and reiterates its zero tolerance for harassment, intimidation, or abuse of journalists, particularly women in the profession. The union will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and safeguard the rights and welfare of journalists in the FCT and beyond,” Oyekunle added.
The union further called on relevant authorities to guarantee a safe and respectful environment for journalists, stressing that media workers play an essential role in strengthening democracy and holding public officials accountable.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
