APJA condemns unwarranted Assault on Journalist by Soldier..... Demands unreserved apology

The Andoni Practicing Journalists Association, APJA condemns in strong terms the unwarranted and unprovoked assault on one of its members by a soldier of the Nigerian Army at the Ikoku area of Port Harcourt during the enforcement of the coronavirus lockdown order. We view the attack on Nkan-nkpo Johnson, a videographer with Rhythm/Silverbird Television as the height of unprofessional misconduct by a supposedly trained security personnel. We are deeply disturbed that a journalist carrying out his constitutional responsibility as enshrined in sections 35 and 45 of our constitution could be attacked by a soldier. The relationship between the Nigerian Army and a journalist is as cordial as that between the eyes and the nose. This further called to question the calibre of personnel recruited into the revered Nigerian Army. The importance of a journalist, the world over, at this time of global threat to the human race cannot be overemphasized. With all modesty, we are the foot soldiers in this fight against COVID-19, little wonder, we were taken aback by the assault on one of our own. The arrest of the soldier involved is not enough. We demand an unreserved apology from the Nigerian Army and more sever disciplinary action taken against him. Signed: Reuben Okwa Chairman Francis Golden Secretary