An operative of the State Security Services (SSS) posted to Ebonyi State Government House, Abakaliki, identified as Emeka, at the weekend assaulted a reporter working for the Africa Independent Television (AIT).
Chineye Sunday was punched in the face as he was trying to take shots of dignitaries at former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s son’s wedding in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The governor’s ADC, Mohammed Tijan, decried Emeka’s conduct, which left Sunday with bruises, a swollen face and a damaged camera.
The cameraman noted that the SSS official had assaulted him in the past.
He said: “A similar incident had happened before at a function and it was a National Assembly member, Tobias Okwuru, who intervened in the matter.
“At the wedding, I was where the dignitaries were trying to take some shots when the SSS operative who was behind pushed me. When that happened, I started staggering with my equipment.
“I went to the guy and asked him, why he did what he did; the next thing was for him to punch me in the face. It was a terrible incident.
“My damaged camera is worth over N1 million and I cannot use it again until it is repaired.”
Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Southeast Zone, Christopher Isiguzo condemned the attack, adding that the zone would reach out to SSS State Director. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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The SSS' conduct is totally condemnable. Not acceptable in a democratic setting, he must be sanctioned accordingly. The incident is also a pointer to our lack of organization when conducting public functions. Many public ceremonies are utterly disorganized and rowdy. But, is it the Punch that gave this photographer N1m worth of camera? A N1m camera to a journalist? Something is wrong.
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