27th January, 2024
The Osun Government has apologised to the Ogun chapter of Nigerian Union of Journalists over alleged harassment of some journalists by security operatives during a chieftaincy event at Joga-Orile chieftaincy community of the State on Friday.
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson of Governor Ademola Adeleke tendered the apology over the unruly behaviour of the security operatives in a statement on Saturday.
He also revealed that the state government has set up a machinery to identify the security operatives involved in the harassment of the journalists.
“On behalf of the State Governor, I apologize to the Ogun State Secretary of the NUJ and any other journalist who may have been affected by the incident.
“However, we want to put it on records that several dignitaries attended the event with several security personnel of various sections and departments. The officials shown in the video do not belong to the convoy of the Osun state Governor
“While an internal investigation has been conducted, Governor Adeleke’ team, especially the security apparatus, operates strict guidelines to ensure full respect not just for journalists on their legitimate assignments but also to members of the public in the discharge of their duties.
“Governor Adeleke is a deeply media friendly leader who recently hosted the South West team of the NUJ with all state chairmen and officials in attendance.
“The Governor is also working to support the South West NUJ to host the national NUJ Conference later this year as the grand patron of NUJ for Osun state.
“However as my Principal was the key guest at the Joga-Orile event, we apologize to the Ogun State Council Secretary and assure the NUJ locally and nationally that such incident will not reoccur again,” Rasheed said in the statement.