In a live broadcast on Channels TV, a security agent was seen using his hand to block the camera lens, restricting the crew and other journalists from filming what is going on for the general public to see.
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Following a planned rally at the Lekki-Tollgate today, security operatives worked overtime to stop journalists from reporting the protest.
In a live broadcast by Channels Television, a security agent was seen using his hand to block the camera lens, restricting the Channels crew and other journalists from filming what was going on for the general public to see.
Channels reporter who tried to find his way through the security blockade said police operatives took away his earpiece and restricted him and other journalists from filming the scene of the protests to let Nigerians know what was going on.
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When asked if he contravened the law in any way to warrant the security operatives seize his personal item, he said no. ”We are not obstructing the road, we only stood here to film the area to let Nigerians know what is going on but they are not allowing us and other journalists to do our jobs. They said those places belong to them.”
The journalists were also seen in the live footage trying to put calls to the commissioner of police to urge his rein on his men who were restricting them from doing their jobs.
Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi yesterday in a statement assured Lagosians that the Command has put necessary measures in place to ensure the safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for carrying out their respective lawful duties.
Alabi gave the assurance yesterday in a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, “This assurance has become imperative following news making the rounds that some Nigerians are planning to protest at the Lekki Toll-gate, an action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic.
“While the Command is not averse to the peoples’ right to freedom of assembly and association; and expression, the Command will equally live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to freedom of movement and right to dignity of human persons.”
He also warned all intending protesters that anyone found infringing on the rights of other Nigerians will be dealt with in accordance with the law while he enjoined all peace-loving Lagosians to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation, reiterating that adequate security assets have been strategically deployed to ensure their safety and security.
