Chaos erupts at National Assembly as journalists barred from access
Pandemonium broke out at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday when several security agents allegedly barred accredited journalists from entering the legislative building. Scores of journalists found themselves stranded outside, seeking clarity on the unfolding situation.
According to security personnel, including Sergeant-at-Arms and Police officers on duty, they were following “orders from above” to prevent individuals without official permanent identity cards from accessing the White House section of Parliament. Despite journalists’ pleas, explaining that the Information Department had not yet issued their permanent cards, security forces remained resolute.
Attempts to negotiate entry for those holding temporary identity papers were met with refusal, escalating tensions. The situation deteriorated further, with security personnel resorting to verbal abuse and physical confrontations. Among those injured was Mudashiru Atanda, a photojournalist with TheSun newspaper. Additionally, Nicolas Kalu from The Nation and Gloria Essien of Voice of Nigeria (VON) faced physical pushback when they tried to intervene.
In the midst of this turmoil, an unidentified security operative seized Tolu Akinyemi’s smartphone, an accredited journalist with SuperScreen Television, threatening to ensure the device would not be returned.
In response to the chaos, the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) denied issuing any directives to bar journalists from the complex under any circumstances.
