By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
The Presidential Task Force PTF on the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic has said it would sort out information gap, which had been responsible for the frictions between media practitioners and security operatives, with regards to movement during this period.
Journalists in Lagos and Abuja had in the last few days complained of being obstructed and in some cases mistreated by security agents, particularly men of the Nigeria Police, while going about their duties.
According to most of the complaints, some of which had been tabled before the PTF, policemen on duty to enforce movement restriction and other guidelines issued by government had been denying journalists access, insisting that had not listed as essential services providers.
However, addressing questions during Wednesday’s edition of the daily press briefing by the task force in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the PTF, Mr Boss Mustapha, clarify what journalists were essential service providers, explaining, again, the role of newsmen.
He, however, promised that the issues so far raised in this regard by journalists across the country, especially in Lagos and Abuja, would be looked at and appropriate corrections effected.
“Journalists are part of the essential service. Because, whatever we do here, if you don’t report it then the news item will not get out to the population. The adverts we carry on the radio, television is supposed to enhanced and equip our people with knowledge and information, so that they can make informed decisions not to go out there. Anything related to the press is considered as an essential service for the purposes of allowing you free passage.
“We will look at the issue that happened in Lagos and the Minister of Information will take up that. Because, if we expects the networks to remain open for 24 hours or throughout the night, then when it comes to movement, our security agencies should be adoptive enough to know that this people are coming from their places of work and grant them access”, he said.
On medical professionals facing similar challenge, the SGF said: “We will look at that. If it is the release of the protocol that did not consider that I believe that the national coordinator, who has the primary responsibility of dealing with that would take a look at it and see how best.
“You need the medical professionals to go and have a rest and refresh and come back with renewed vigor to continue with the assignment. Same with any other person that would have worked for 12 sometimes to 14, 16 hours.
“I think we will look at it and see if it is the narration that did not provide for that, the national coordinator should be able to give the appropriate clarification for the purposes of enforcement”, he said.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while talking to the issue, said he would engage the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, on the incidences in the state, some of which he was said to have personally been mentioned in.
“I will take up the matter of the commissioner of police in Lagos. Because by my understanding, anybody that is a journalist with identification is allowed to move about”, he said.
Also speaking on the issue, National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr. Sani Aliyu, said “of course journalists are exempted. I’m surprised that you are having issues. We will realize specific clarifications, we are meeting with security agencies on Friday and we will make it clear that people on essential duties are exempted from the curfew”.
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