The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to caution his Chief Security Officer (CSO), Kunle Fagbemi, over repeated incidents of harassment of journalists.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during an empowerment programme organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, a project of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Fagbemi was accused of verbally assaulting and obstructing members of the governor’s official press crew while they carried out their duties.
In a statement signed by NUJ Lagos Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, the union condemned the CSO’s actions, noting that this was the third reported incident involving him.
“This growing pattern of intimidation is not only unprofessional but also an affront to press freedom and democratic values,” Ajayi said.
“The NUJ will not stand idly by while overzealous individuals infringe on the rights of members of the Fourth Estate to perform their constitutional responsibilities. We will resist any attempt to undermine press freedom.”
The union described the conduct as unfortunate and unbecoming of a senior security officer, stressing that such behaviour undermines democracy.
The NUJ demanded a formal apology from Fagbemi and urged him to recognise the critical role of journalists in governance.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state. They are partners in democratic governance, and their rights must be respected at all times,” Ajayi added.
The Lagos NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and vowed to ensure that its members can work without intimidation or harassment.