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NUJ Raises Concern Over Media Reportage of NDLEA Incident in Calabar

 



The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has expressed concern over reports by some journalists portraying the recent encounter between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Prince Alobi, a staff member of Radio Nigeria, Canaan City FM 99.5, in Calabar, in a manner that paints a grim picture of the situation while presenting the individual as a journalist.

The Council considers it unfortunate that the incident occurred but is particularly concerned about the narratives emerging from some media reports, which appear to have amplified the situation without adequately establishing the professional status of the individual involved.

For clarity, the individual in question is not a journalist and does not belong to the NUJ. The Council therefore urges journalists and media organisations to exercise caution in their reportage and avoid presenting the incident in a way that could mislead the public into believing that a member of the Union was involved.

The Council emphasises that working with a media establishment does not automatically confer the professional status of a journalist or establish membership of the NUJ. It is therefore important that reports on the incident reflect this distinction rather than rely on assumptions or sensational characterisations.

While acknowledging that the circumstances surrounding the encounter are unfortunate, the Council urges practitioners to avoid whipping up narratives that could inflame public sentiment or create an exaggerated impression of the situation. Journalism demands accuracy, balance, verification and responsible presentation of facts, particularly when reporting incidents involving law enforcement agencies.

The Council also reminds journalists that professional practice requires sound judgment and adherence to safety protocols when covering potentially volatile situations. Practitioners should not put themselves in harm’s way under the assumption that identifying with the media automatically protects them from the risks associated with confrontations.


A trained journalist is expected to gather information through professional engagement, observation and verification, while exercising discretion and avoiding unnecessary confrontation with security personnel. Where a situation becomes dangerous, personal safety must take precedence.


The Council maintains that any allegations of assault or misconduct arising from the incident should be subjected to proper investigation, with all parties given a fair opportunity to present their accounts. Such allegations should be reported responsibly, without prejudgment or the distortion of facts.


The NUJ, Cross River State Council, remains committed to promoting ethical journalism, professional responsibility and constructive relations between the media and security agencies. It calls on journalists to uphold these standards and ensure that their reportage informs the public accurately rather than fuels misleading narratives about the incident.


Comrade Archibong Bassey

Chairman

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

Cross River State Council

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