IPC condemns lawmaker’s assault on journalist, call for action
Story from Ibraheem Hamza MUHAMMAD
The International Press Centre (IPC) in Nigeria has condemned the assault on a journalist, Mr Leftist Aimeuaewonso, who was slapped and punched by a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Ephraim Aluebhosele on Monday, July 4th, 2022.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Press Freedom Officer of the Centre, Mr Melody Lawal.
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According to the statement, the assault was after the lawmaker was questioned on the action he had taken to fix an abandoned road in his constituency.
“Reports reaching IPC Safety Alert Desk that the journalist sustained varying degrees of injuries after the assault by the lawmaker and some of his aides.
“IPC is of the firm opinion that the lawmaker has no legal right to beat up Mr Aimeuaewonso notwithstanding the situation, as the act was very condescending for a duty bearer who has the responsibility to give account to the citizens who voted him into governance.
“IPC is therefore calling for immediate action against the lawmaker. The Speaker of the House of Assembly should thoroughly investigate this incident and the lawmaker should be made to face the appropriate punishment for his actions. A public apology should also be issued by the lawmaker and the journalist affected should be compensated appropriately”, the statement read.
