Journalists, others seek probe of The Nation slain reporter Ugbagwu

Journalists and activists yesterday urged the Police to reopen investigation into the murder of The Nation judicial reporter Edo Ugbagwu. 

They also urged media owners to enhance the welfare of their workers and insure them against the helplessness of security agencies to resolve murder of journalists.

They spoke at the inaugural lecture in honour of Ugbagwu, organised by the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Ikeja branch. 

Discussions centred on how to secure the lives of journalists ahead of next month’s elections.  

NAJUC also launched an endowment fund for the upkeep of Ugbagwu’s son, who was born after his death. 

Ugbagwu was killed by unknown gunmen on April 24, last year, in his Shasha, Lagos home. 

Speakers included top journalist Richard Akinnola; Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Adebamigbe Omole; his predecessor, Dave Ajetomobi; Lagos lawyer and activist Bamidele Aturu; varsity don Wahab Shittu, and Secretary, NBA, Lagos branch, Sunday Onu.

Akinnola said it was unfortunate that most media houses do not have healthy welfare packages and insurance policies for their workers despite the dangerous nature of the job. 

He noted that during election periods, some desperate politicians might perceive journalists as working for the opposing camps whenever a story is written against them.

Akinnola said: “Whether we like it or not, in these dangerous climes, journalists are in the firing line. But what happens when a journalist is caught in the cross-fire? Their welfare should be a priority.” 

Aturu urged journalists not to be intimidated in the face of threats but to remain the voice of the people. 

He said judicial reporters should do more in uncovering the crisis rocking the judiciary by ensuring that allegations of corruption are not swept under the carpet.

Aturu said: “You must not celebrate animals. Nigerian democracy belongs to our people and we (activists and journalists) have a duty to defend our people.” 

Omole regretted that the government has failed to provide security for the people and in giving justice to victims by apprehending perpetrators. 

Ajetomobi urged journalists to draw attention to their plight and the unresolved murders of their colleagues, adding that they have the power to change the society. 

Shittu said the likes of the late Ugbagwu, who gave his best to the nation, should not die in vain.

The late Ugbagwu’s younger brother, Sule  described his brother’s killers as terrorists, urging journalists to always disseminate the truth and remain bold.