Military men...invaded Trust Media Group
Despite President Muhammadu Buhari ordering soldiers out of the premises of Trust Media publishers of Daily Trust among other titles, some Nigerian journalists have voiced their displeasure at the manner of the invasion, arrest and intimidation of journalists at the media group.
Some Nigerian journalists took to social media to condemn the action which they said runs at variance with the dictates of democracy.
Former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye posted on his Facebook wall: “Soldiers raid newspaper house, arrest editors, seize computers in 2019! Who is after this President and does not wish him well this new year? Who?”
Adefaye who is a Fellow of ther Guild and General Manager of Vanguard newspapers is an advocate for press freedom.
Tunde Asaju, a member of the Editorial of Trust newspaper wrote: “I am shocked at @GarbaShehu’s statement on the unfortunate saga of the siege on #DailyTrust. It appears the military operates without the orders of their commander-in-chief.
This is VERY dangerous for the following reasons:
In the last 30 days, the military has been testing the grounds for its popularity.
- They unilaterally and unconstitutionally asked a UN agency, #Unicef to vacate #Nigeria accusing it of alleged espionage for Boko haram insurgents. They did this without the directive or consultation of their C-in-C
- They outlawed #AmnestyInternational from their operational zone without directive from their C-in-C.
On Sunday, they illegally and unlawfully occupied a media, house in a microwave operation starting from Maiduguri to Abuja and Lagos. They illegally kidnapped two journalists, confiscated computers and accessories without lawful court order or directive from their C-in-C.
Given the adventurous spirit of the military and their unlawful interventions in democratic governance, this gung-ho operations and incursions should be of concern to all lovers of constitutionalism and lawful order.
If we are to believe #GarbaShehu that this latest assault was carried out without the authority of the C-in-C in an election year, the military could be testing the grounds for their unlawful games, especially as they are failing in their duty to protect the territorial integrity of our nation.
The President MUST as a matter of urgent national security, institute a serious enquiry into these adventures of its military. The nation deserves to know who issued these orders? Who mobilized our troops to carry out unlawful escapades?
Government must sanction those involved in these acts in a way as to put the military where they belong – which is subordinate to the Constitution of the Federal Republic and its C-in-C.
Citizens demand the immediate and unconditional release of the two #dailytrust editors abducted by the military. The release of all computers seized by the overzealous military and compensation to Daily Trust management and staff and a letter of assurance that this will NEVER happen again.
No military, no matter how powerful should be allowed to terrorize the citizenry or disrupt lawful business without a valid and lawful order. The military is NOT a government on its own, it and its high command must be subject to the rule of law and the dictates of democracy”.
Recall that Armed military men on Sunday invaded Daily Trust regional office in Maiduguri, Borno State and arrested the Regional Editor, Uthman Abubakar and a reporter Ibrahim Sawab. They also requested to see the Political Editor, Hamza Idris whose name has appeared in bylines of major exclusive and investigative reports.
Though it is not clear why the military took the action, it was learnt that the Daily Trust on Sunday published a strong editorial and news reports on security challenges in Northern Nigeria.
Some of the lead stories include: “Military Prepares Massive Operation to Retake Baga, Others,” “Zamfara Bandits May Have Link with Boko Haram, -Defence Minister,” “Shettima Funds 20,000 Civilian JTF for six Years,” and “Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Damasak… Kill Many in Yobe.”
The Editorial titled “FG is Running Out of Excuses” highlights some of the humanitarian challenges in the North-East and the efforts of the military in tackling Boko Haram insurgency.
The Editorial pointed out that the Borno community leaders at an emergency meeting of security agencies summoned by Governor Kashim Shettima expressed fears that insurgents could push on from Baga, overrun Monguno and on to Maiduguri.
The Editorial further acknowledged the successes of the military in repelling three attacks on Monguno with Air Force raids that halted the insurgents in their tracks and killed many terrorists. It also commended the effort of the military in launching a major offensive to retake the lost towns and bases.
The Editorial nevertheless asked some hard questions and proffered suggestions. It stated thus: “From all indications there is no multinational force in the Lake Chad region, and we must ask why it is that Chadians, Nigeriens and Cameroonians do not seem to be around anymore.
