The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has expressed their displeasure at the unwarranted and undignified action of Human Rights Radio presenter, Ahmed Isah (A.K.A. president of ordinary people), for physically assaulting a lady on the allegation of her being a culprit of a childs’ abuse during a live TV interview recently.
In a statement signed by National NAWOJ President and Secretary, Ladi Bala and Helen Udofa respectively, made available to journalists on Tuesday stated that NAWOJ as a body of responsible women journalists that holds strongly to the ethics of the journalism profession is of the strong view that the action of Ahmed Isah, negates the basic principle of professional conduct and totally against known ethical standards of broadcasting.
“From the trending video, it is clear that Ahmed Isah constituted himself into an authority in the administration of justice wherein he charged his victim, tried, convicted and went ahead to administer the punishment as defined and prescribed by him alone. These are powers that neither the Judiciary nor the Executive arm government does not possess.
“Having taken time to watch and analyze the trending and very disturbing video contextually, NAWOJ hereby demands an unreserved public apology and possibly compensation from Ahmed Isah to the assaulted and brutalized lady.
“NAWOJ believes that a crime cannot be used to justify another crime on the premise of carrying out an investigation that is alien to the provisions of the law in any material particular and journalism practice whatsoever.
“The video clip in which Ahmed Isah was seen interrogating the poor lady clearly showed how he not only assaulted her but seriously dehumanized her and reduced her self-esteem to an unacceptable low level of human dignity despite her admittance of an alleged crime and equally showed remorse.
“Pointedly put, the action of Ahmed Isah completely negates and contradicts what the Human Right station represents.
“While NAWOJ appreciates and commends the radio station in promoting Human Rights issues, it is however of the view that no one should be allowed to assume that he/she is above the law no matter their position of influence in the society.
“NAWOJ, therefore, stresses the need for the nation’s security agencies to be allowed to do their job and not individuals taking laws into their hands.
“In this wise,NAWOJ insists that the overbearing posture of Ahmed Isah, who is the presenter of the “Berekete Family” must be checked and put under control in the interest of civility and the society.
“Similarly, the association recommends that the dastardly abuse meted on the innocent child by the lady should also be subjected to the provisions of the law and where found culpable, she should be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“NAWOJ says “TOTAL NO” to any form of child abuse and violation of any human dignity no matter the issue at stake”, the statement concluded.
