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NUJ warns Kaduna governor-elect as journalist alleges threat to life

By Saxone Akhaine, Kaduna
28 March 2023   |   4:09 am
Kaduna State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has told the state’s governor-elect, Sen. Uba Sani, that no harm must befall any of its members in the state going by the strength of the petition brought by Vanguard Correspondent, Hassan Wuyo, who alleged threat to his life.

Senator Uba Sani

Kaduna State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has told the state’s governor-elect, Sen. Uba Sani, that no harm must befall any of its members in the state going by the strength of the petition brought by Vanguard Correspondent, Hassan Wuyo, who alleged threat to his life.

In a statement by the Secretary, Gambo Sanga, yesterday, the union asked its members to perform their responsibilities without fear, following the alleged verbal attack and threat to the life of the journalist by Sani.

Wuyo, in a petition to security agencies, yesterday, titled ‘My sad encounter with the governor-elect; I was threatened, psychologically depressed and emotionally unbalanced’ alleged threat to his life by the governor-elect, just as he sought security cover against any harm.

The union stated: “The attention of NUJ, Kaduna State Council, has been drawn to a letter of complaint by our member, a Vanguard correspondent, Hassan Wuyo, over alleged threat to his life by the governor-elect, Sen. Uba Sani, at a purported media briefing in Kaduna on Sunday, March 26, 2023.”

Wuyo narrated his ordeal in the hands of Sani and his political associates in the petition he also addressed to the human rights community (local and international), Directorate of State Services (DSS), General Officer, Commanding 1st Mechanised Division (GOC), the Commissioner of Police, among others.

He pointed out: “I received an invitation on Sunday, March 26, 2023, to cover a press conference by the Kaduna governor-elect, Uba Sani, at All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign office, Isa Kaita Road, Kaduna, only to be descended upon with anger and threats.

“The event turned out to be a meeting between the governor-elect and some political parties’ gubernatorial candidates, pastors, On-Air Personalities in support of Sani’s political ideals and some few others.”

According to him, the premises was, somehow, militarised, as plain-clothed and combat-ready security personnel kept vigil within and outside the campaign office, probing invitees and others before they were allowed entry into the premises.

He noted that while in the hall, the governor-elect asked about his medium. “I told him I am the Correspondent of Vanguard Media. He suddenly changed his countenance and began to heap blames on me. He said unapologetically that my reports as published in the Vanguard were against his political interest.”

NUJ said: “At the supposed media briefing, the governor-elect allegedly accused Wuyo of carrying negative stories against him and also that the chairman of the NUJ in Kaduna worked against his political interest during the recent gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, despite his donation of a vehicle to the NUJ last year.”

The union demanded an unreserved apology to the NUJ and its state chairman over the malicious allegations and the brazen humiliation and embarrassment as well as the perceived threat to the life of the correspondent by the governor-elect.

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