The NUJ FCT 2024 elections, meant to showcase democracy at its finest within the journalism community, have suddenly taken a dramatic twist that could rival any Nollywood plot.
Over 20 Abuja-based journalists have been invited for police questioning, sparking heated debates, suspicion, and frustration within the media fraternity. This is no longer business as usual; the big question on everyone’s lips is, “What exactly is the Inspector General of Police (IGP) looking for in this election?”
Police Invitations: A Shadow Over NUJ Democracy
This election, traditionally governed by the NUJ’s constitution, should have been a straightforward, internal affair. Instead, it is now mired in allegations of undue interference by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Journalists, stakeholders, and observers are openly questioning the motives behind these police invitations.
“Why is the police poking their nose in an election that is purely about journalists choosing their leaders?” asked one senior journalist. The invitations have stirred fears of possible intimidation tactics aimed at influencing the electoral outcome or creating an atmosphere of unease that could disrupt the process entirely.
An Inside Job or Overreach by the Police?
Many in the NUJ suspect that the police involvement may not be as spontaneous as it seems. There are whispers that some disgruntled individuals within the NUJ might be pulling strings, using state institutions to settle personal scores or push political agendas. If this is true, it’s a dangerous precedent. Using the police as a tool to interfere in a democratic process undermines the credibility of both the union and the Nigeria Police Force.
“This is not just about the NUJ. It’s about the values of democracy, freedom of association, and press freedom that Nigeria must uphold,” said another concerned journalist.
A Wake-Up Call for the Police
The Nigeria Police Force has been reminded by stakeholders that their primary duty is to protect and serve the people—not meddle in democratic processes. For an institution already struggling with public trust issues, this perceived interference could further erode its credibility.
“If there are genuine allegations against any journalist, why not make them public and follow due process?” stakeholders demanded. Many believe that unless the IGP provides a transparent explanation, the invitations will continue to fuel speculation and mistrust.
Journalists Speak Out
The journalistic community has responded with a collective voice of defiance. Journalists have emphasized their role as the nation’s conscience, not criminals to be harassed. “We are here to hold power accountable, not to be silenced or bullied,” one journalist asserted.
Despite the tension, NUJ members have been urged to remain calm, united, and professional. The goal, they say, is to ensure a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the will of the union’s members.
Three Key Demands
In the wake of these troubling events, NUJ stakeholders have issued three clear demands:
To the IGP: Explain the rationale behind the police invitations. If there’s no merit to these actions, withdraw them immediately.
To NUJ Members: Stay united, resist distractions, and focus on maintaining the credibility of the elections.
To Disgruntled NUJ Members: Avoid turning the union into a battleground for personal ambitions.
A Test of Integrity
The NUJ FCT 2024 elections have become a litmus test—not just for the union but for the Nigeria Police Force. Will the police step back and allow the democratic process to thrive, or will this election become another example of state overreach?
For now, all eyes are on the IGP. The NUJ has sent a clear message: “This is our union, and we will protect its integrity. The police have no business here unless their interest is to protect democracy, not sabotage it.”
As election day draws closer, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The NUJ, a symbol of press freedom and democracy, must rise above this storm. And for the police, the spotlight is on—will they uphold justice or add fuel to the fire?
Nigerians are watching, and history will remember.
