February 21, (THEWILL) – Political thugs suspected to be loyal to the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, attacked and beat up the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi State Council, Mr Nnamdi Akpa.
Akpa, who is the Ebonyi State Correspondent of Guardian Newspaper, was kicked and punched on the back, while the thugs had a field day.
Reports have it that the victim was attacked simply because he was seen in the hallowed chambers, sending a message to a prominent politician (name withheld) in the State.
Akpa is from Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, which he shares with the Governor of the State.
According to Akpa: “I have to go to the Hospital. I was beaten. I was brushed to the ground. What is my crime?”
In an emotion ladened voice, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who condemned the attack meted out on the NUJ Secretary, apologised to the victim and the entire NUJ family over the incident.
“This is a public place. It’s wrong to beat up a Journalist. You are not working for me. I want to tender an unreserved apology over what happened or should I kneel down? I apologise for what happened. I am very sorry for what happened.”
Many Journalists and Stakeholders are expressing fear over their safety in the State as political activities build up in the State.
About the Author
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
