Olatunji suffers from asthma which may get worse in the gulag
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Oluwatosin, wife of FirstNews Editor Segun Olatunji, has disclosed her husband suffers from asthma and ulcer, health conditions that may get worse in the gulag in which the military authorities have kept him since soldiers abducted him five days ago.
Olatunji previously worked as Kaduna State correspondent of The PUNCH and his wife told the newspaper 10 armed men, some of them in army uniform, invaded their home in the Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos on March 15 and took the man away.
Oluwatosin, 53, a mother of five, said nothing has been heard of his whereabouts since then.
“My husband is diligent in his work; he is not troublesome, he is always engrossed in his job and works till midnight. He doesn’t go to parties, he doesn’t drink,” she recounted.
“The government should help me; I have been weak and sick since he was abducted. They should bring him back alive because he has some health issues. He uses an inhaler, and he has an ulcer too.
“Well-meaning Nigerians and the government should help me bring out my husband alive. The government should have mercy on me because we can’t even say anything about his whereabouts. He is my friend, confidant, father, everything.”
Olatunji’s abduction is reportedly connected with a recent story published by FirstNews with the headline, “Revealed: Defence Chief running office like family business – Public Interest Lawyers.”
The story was also published by many other online platforms.
NUJ demands Olatunji’s release
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has also demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
A statement issued by NUJ Assistant National Secretary Akorede Opeyemi described Olatunji’s abduction as another threat to freedom of the press.
“The disappearance of Segun Olatunji, the editor of FirstNews newspapers, is another sad reminder of the danger being faced daily by journalists in the line of duty.
“Although it is not clear which agency of government was responsible for the arrest of the journalist, we believe that freedom of the press and opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy.
“For this reason, the Nigerian government needs to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals. The safety and security of journalists are very important.
“Actions like this are unacceptable and are attempts to intimidate journalists and force them into self-censorship. The professional work of journalists is clearly in the public interest, and acts of impunity against them should not be condoned.”
The NUJ sought the immediate and unconditional release of Olatunji in the interest of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
FirstNews demands explanation from the military
FirstNews on its platform also urged the military high command and security agencies to provide immediate clarity on Olatunji’s whereabouts and the circumstances of his arrest.
“There has been no response from the military or any of the security agencies regarding their awareness or involvement in his arrest,” the newspaper said.
“Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Publisher of FirstNews, said that despite attempts to contact him, Olatunji’s phone remains switched off, and neither his family nor FirstNews’ management has received any communication regarding the reason for his abduction.”
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