NAWOJ Condemns Harassment of Comrade Ladi Bala by NRC MD, Demands Public Apology, Other measures.
By Raymond Enoch
The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has strongly condemned the recent harassment and intimidation of Comrade Ladi Bala, the immediate past National Chairperson of the association, by the Managing Director of the National Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa.
In a press statement released earlier today, the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, and the National Secretary, Comrade Wasilah Ladan, called for an immediate public apology from Opeifa. The association demanded that the apology be published in multiple national daily newspapers and aired on both radio and television stations. NAWOJ also insisted that the apology be extended to the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the media organization to which Comrade Bala is affiliated.
NAWOJ expressed its outrage over the incident, describing it as an unacceptable assault on the rights of a respected member of the journalistic community. The statement emphasized that the harassment not only disrespects Comrade Bala but also undermines the integrity and freedom of the media in Nigeria. NAWOJ stressed the critical importance of protecting journalists, particularly women journalists, from such attacks, and reiterated the association’s firm stance against any form of intimidation or harassment directed at its members.
In its statement, NAWOJ highlighted several key points:First, the association condemned the harassment and intimidation of Comrade Bala by the NRC MD, describing the incident as a direct violation of her rights as a journalist and a professional. The association underscored that the actions were not only a personal affront to Comrade Bala but also an attack on the principles of press freedom.
Second, NAWOJ called for an official public apology from Opeifa, not only to Comrade Bala but also to the Nigeria Television Authority, as the harassment was aimed at discrediting both Bala and her professional affiliation. The apology should be published in more than one national daily and aired in electronic media, including radio or television.
Third, the association demanded that adequate measures be put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes taking steps to safeguard the rights of journalists, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation from any individual or institution.
Finally, NAWOJ emphasized the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists in upholding democratic values and promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria. The association called on Opeifa and the NRC to recognize the significant role of the media in ensuring good governance and to take swift action to prevent future occurrences.
Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, National President of NAWOJ, remarked, “We are resolute in our commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of our members. No journalist should face harassment or intimidation while carrying out their legitimate duties, and we will continue to advocate for the safety of journalists across the country.”
The statement concluded with NAWOJ calling for immediate action to address the incident and prevent similar occurrences, stressing that the association would not hesitate to take further action if necessary.
