By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Union of journalists (NUJ) has condemned the attack on one of its members during Saturday’s governorship and States Houses of Assembly elections in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Kano State chapter of NUJ, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim said the union would take all necessary actions to ensure justice for its member who was attacked by thugs during the election in the state.
Some thugs attacked a journalist with Premier Radio Kano, Ashiru Umar, while on election duty at Gidan Galadima in Galadanci Primary, Gwale local government area of the state on Saturday.
A Leadership newspaper report said trouble started when political thugs descended on him with weapons, thinking he had captured them while giving out food items to eligible voters at the polling unit.
Already, there were video clips that captured incidences of inducement of voters with money and other items on Election Day.
Ashiru was injured and his gadgets destroyed. He was rushed to healthcare center where he received medical attention to treat his wound.
The NUJ advised journalists to stay safe at all times and report any intimidation to relevant authorities.
A MacArthur Foundation funded civil society organisation in Nigeria, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) said there were “..repeated skirmishes and fights between voters, party agents and officials. For example, observers in Enugu reported clashes between the party representatives, while others in Jigawa highlighted similar issues between self-professed party members.
“There were reports in Ukanafun LGA, Akwa Ibom, where thugs attacked a polling unit and scared away voters. Election materials were also hijacked at gunpoint in Emelia LGA and thugs also disrupted the process in Obio Akpor LGA, both in Rivers State.”
