By Lawal A Dogara, Kaduna
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Kaduna state chapter has also joined other Nigerians to condemn the attack at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna state Council .
Reacting to the issue, Kaduna State Chairman of PDP and former minister of Aviation, Hassan Hyat described the incident as an assault not only to journalism profession but also on the entire society.
“Politicians must learn the act of tolerance and accommodation. It is unfortunate that instead of people to organize and be calm in countering and presenting their own side, they resulted to using their fist to cause destruction and unfortunately injuring some journalists in the cause of carrying out their legitimate duty.
“Knowing the role of the press, we felt that it was an affront and insult, not to you alone, but the generality of the society, because no society can exist without information.
“Whether the information is positive or negative to whoever is listening, the truth is that people must be allowed to express their grievances.
“But we don’t take cutlasses and start chasing another members because we disagree with their opinion. We prefer asking one another to rejig ideas and discuss how society can move forward.
“If we see the ruling party, witnessing this kind of situation, then we in the opposition parties will start wondering as to what will be our faith when the time for local governments election comes.
“Therefore, I plead with the authorities especially the security agencies to ensure that they handle issues of security and vandalisation, intolerance with zeal it requires. They should handle their work without fear or favor to any person or individuals since they are answerable to the constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of NUJ Kaduna Council, Comrade Adamu Yusuf, while expressing gratitude over the solidarity visit by PDP leadership , explained that the Sunday disaster was the first of its kind in the history of Kaduna NUJ; saying that NUJ is not a political party and will never be.
He however advised that politicians should refrain from using youth as political thugs and hoodlums, rather use them for peaceful coexistence and for development of the nation.
“NUJ shall continue to remain the voice of the downtrodden, and we shall continue to stand by the people to air their views in line with the core value of journalism profession,” he said.