President of the International Press Institute Nigeria, Mojeed Musikilu, has called on the Nigeria Police to see journalists as allies during elections and not enemies.
Musikilu made the call on Thursday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television, lamenting the rate of attacks on journalists during elections.
He questioned why the police should continue to use the cybercrime law against journalists for doing their legitimate constitutional duties.
“The rate of attacks on journalists is high during elections. The police must see journalists as allies
“The media is a critical institution in a democratic setting. Recent years have seen journalists harassed, detained, assaulted, and even shot while performing their duties.
“This led to the former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, being placed on an infamy list for failing to address these issues.
“An early warning is now being issued to his successor, especially with upcoming elections, as attacks on journalists tend to increase during these periods.
“It is crucial for authorities to view journalists as allies in national development, as journalism is not a crime, nor are journalists enemies or criminals,” he said.