Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a protocol officer with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), allegedly assaulted Ndubuisi Orji, a journalist with The Sun newspaper, for trying to enter the PDP national secretariat. The PDP press corps condemned the incident as a serious violation of press freedom and a threat to media independence. Eyewitnesses report Okoronkwo physically prevented Orji from entering the building and later attacked him with slaps and other forms of violence. Okoronkwo reportedly boasted about acting on the instructions of the PDP's former national secretary, Anyanwu, who had given orders to restrict access to the secretariat.
Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a protocol officer of the Peoples Democratic Party , on Monday reportedly assaulted Ndubuisi Orji, a journalist with The Sun newspaper.In a statement, Samuel Ogidan, chairman of the PDP press corps, described the incident as a “grave violation of press freedom and a direct assault on the rights of journalists”.
“As Orji made for his vehicle parked outside the vicinity of the secretariat, Okoronkwo pounced on him with a series of slaps heralding other forms of physical assault until private security guards attached to the secretariat rescued him.
“The right to information and the freedom to report is fundamental to ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in any democracy. “Any action that hinders these rights, particularly by individuals within a political party, poses a dangerous threat to democratic processes.”Ogidan said the incident has been reported to the police, adding that the perpetrator should face the wrath of the law.When reached for comments, Anyanwu said he is in Lagos and was not aware of the incident.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said the party is committed to the rule of law and free press.
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