By: Bayero Ade
Emmanuel Okoronkwo, an aide to the ousted National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, allegedly ordered security officers to lock out journalists from the party’s secretariat in Abuja on Monday.
According to Vanguard, in an escalation of the situation, Okoronkwo is said to have physically assaulted Ndubisi Orji, a correspondent for The Sun newspaper, when he attempted to access the secretariat to carry out his journalistic duties.
Reports indicate that Okoronkwo instructed Orji to leave, claiming that his superior had given explicit orders to deny entry to any journalists. As Orji began to exit, Okoronkwo followed and reportedly slapped him multiple times, escalating the confrontation.
Samuel Ogidan, Chairman of the PDP Press Corps, condemned the assault, calling it a severe violation of press freedom. He stressed that the incident was a direct attack on the rights of journalists and their ability to report without fear of harassment or violence.
Ogidan stated, “This assault not only infringes upon Mr. Orji’s basic human rights but also undermines the values of free speech and media independence, principles that the PDP claims to uphold.” He added that eyewitnesses confirmed that Okoronkwo had initially physically blocked Orji from entering the secretariat and continued his attack as Orji made his way to his vehicle. Orji’s mobile phone was reportedly damaged during the altercation.
In a fit of anger, Okoronkwo allegedly threatened Orji, asserting that no repercussions would follow the assault because he was acting on direct orders from Senator Anyanwu. Okoronkwo claimed that Anyanwu had specifically instructed that journalists should be kept out of the secretariat, even using physical force if necessary.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the PDP’s commitment to press freedom. When contacted, Senator Anyanwu confirmed that he had given the order to restrict access to the secretariat, explaining that the party was on break.
The PDP Press Corps expressed alarm over the assault, emphasizing that it posed a significant threat to the democratic right to a free press and transparency. They underscored the critical role of the media in ensuring accountability and good governance, especially in light of the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
Ogidan concluded by announcing that the incident had been reported to the Wuse Division of the Nigeria Police Force and called for those responsible for the assault to be held accountable. The Press Corps also urged the PDP to take a firm stand against such actions.
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