Press Statement
IPC CONDEMNS LAWMAKER’S ASSAULT ON JOURNALIST: CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
For immediate release, July 5, 2022
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos–Nigeria condemns the assault on journalist Leftist Aimeuaewonso, who received slaps and punches from a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Ephraim Aluebhosele when he questioned him on action being taken to fix an abandoned road in his constituency yesterday, Monday July 4th, 2022.
Reports reaching IPC Journalists’ Safety Alert Desk states that, the journalist sustained varying degrees of injury after the assault by the lawmaker and some of his aides.
IPC is of the firm opinion that the lawmaker had no legal right to beat up Aimeuaewonso notwithstanding the situation, as the act was very condescending for a duty bearer who has the responsibility to give account to the citizens who voted him into governance.
IPC is therefore calling for immediate action against the lawmaker. The Speaker for the House of Assembly should thoroughly investigate this incident and the lawmaker should be made to face the appropriate punishment for his actions. A public apology should also be issued by the lawmaker and the journalist affected should be compensated appropriately.
SGD:
Melody Lawal
Press Freedom Officer, IPC
+2348132776441
