The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately investigate the alleged attack on the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Samson Nwafor, and other journalists during the party’s senatorial primary election in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.
The association made the call in a press statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the Chairman of SWAN in the state, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, and the Acting Secretary, Comrade Victor Nwegede.
SWAN condemned the alleged intimidation, harassment and assault of journalists covering the APC primary, describing the incident as unfortunate, provocative and capable of undermining democratic principles and press freedom.
The association alleged that aides and supporters of the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Kenneth Chukwuemeka Eze, were involved in the incident during the political exercise held at Onueke.
According to the statement, journalists carrying out their constitutional responsibilities should not be subjected to threats, intimidation or physical attacks while covering events of public interest.
“SWAN views every attack on a journalist in the line of duty as an attack on the entire media community and democracy itself,” the statement noted.
The body maintained that the media remains a critical institution in sustaining transparency, accountability and good governance, stressing that any attempt to intimidate journalists poses a threat to democratic development.
SWAN further urged the APC leadership in Ebonyi State and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and all persons found culpable brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The association also called on security agencies to guarantee the safety of journalists across the state, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify.
It reiterated the need for political actors and their supporters to respect the rights of journalists and allow media practitioners to discharge their professional duties without fear, harassment or molestation.
The incident reportedly occurred during the APC senatorial primary election in Onueke, where tension allegedly erupted following the declaration of the party’s candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District seat.
