“NUJ has Zero Tolerance for Harassment of Journalists”, Says Grace Ike… As MD NRC retracts steps..
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has zero tolerance for harassment of journalists, according to its Federal Capital Territory Chapter Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike. This stance was reiterated during a press conference where the NUJ and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) demanded a public apology from the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). The apology was demanded following an incident where journalist were allegedly harassed.
The Managing Director Nigerian Railway Corporation Dr Kayode Opiefa has tendered his unreserved apology to former NAWOJ National Chairperson Comtade Ladi Bala, the Nigerian Union of journalists, Nigerian Television Authority and the Nigerian association of women journalists over harassment of Chief Bala at the scene of the Abuja -Kaduna railway accident.
An interdiction has occurred between the NRC MD and Comrade a transport Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority afterthe derailment of a train on the Abuja -Kaduna railway corridor that recorded no fatalities but left about 20 injured with 8 coaches and 1 locomotive affected, Journalists especially transport correspondents rushed to the scene to get timely and accurate reports.
Reports surfaced soon after of harassment of the former National president NAWOJ Comrade Ladi Bala by the MD Dr Kayode Opiefa leading to demands by the NUJ for a public apology.
In a press conference at the NUJ FCT Secretariat, the MD tendered an apology to Comrade Ladi Bala, the NTA, Nigerian Union of Journalists and Nigerian association of women journalists.
” I wish to sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ.
“Acting under pressure and in the heat of the moment while trying to ensure safety , I uttered some unkind words for which I take responsibility”.
Dr..Opiefa assured the union of his respect and expressed optimism of a robust relationship with the media going forward. He also bestowed on Comrade Bala the honorary title of ‘Ambassador for Media Advocacy “.
The MD further said NRC had earlier confirmed the incident and responded to requests from some media houses asking for interviews in line with NRC Protocol which demands that all stakeholders be adequately informed.
He said he had visited injured passengers who were taken to hospital by FRSC,NEMA and other first responders who were on the ground while some injured passengers who found their way from the scene themselves have been traced . According to him. about 20 passengers were on injured with 7 critical. 618 passengers were involved in the accident including NRC staff though those in Business class did not know there was an accident as their coach was unaffected.
The MD further said 8 pieces of equipment were damaged with a huge chunk of the track scrapped off.
Providing updates on the situation,he said NRC had removed 2 coaches and 1 locomotive and by the end of the day they would remove 2 more, adding that a 25 to 30 meter road was created to facilitate removal.l
