by Iniabasi Umo

Nsikak Ekanem, a journalist with the Daily Independent Newspaper who stumbled on a recent kidnap scene in Uyo was arrested and accused of culpability in the incidence in the course of doing his job.
The police accused him of nosing around for news in the wrong place and alleged that he was only using his position as a journalist to cover up a crime he was could be found culpable in.

Nsikak was not only manhandled on the orders of the DCO of Division 'C' of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, his identity card, recorder and phone were seized even after he identified himself as a journalist.
The DCO who ordered his arrest accused him of being at the scene of the incidence at the time of the killing of a motorcyclist who tried to prevent the kidnap of two children he carried.

Narrating how he ended up spending the night in police custody to the Newsday, Nsikak Ekanem, a Special Correspondent attached to the law page of Daily Independent Newspaper explained that he was at the scene of the incidence by chance.

His words: “I was walking pass Ikono street by calabar street when I stumbled upon the crime scene and I started asking questions only to discover that one of the respondents was the DCO of Division 'C'. I identified myself and asked to know what transpired at the place since it was looking deserted.

“He responded that I should leave the crime scene and I told him that I was doing my job as a journalist. He alleged that I was only using my position as a journalist as a cover up, and that I could be culpable in the incident. I tried to defend myself and we engaged in an exchange of words.

“When I made to walk away, he ordered that I be arrested. I was arrested and severely beaten, manhandled and later taken to the police station. My identity card, recorder and phone were seized from me. I was only able to send out word of my arrest through the photographer brought in by the police to take pictures of the scene of the incident” he said.

Nsikak noted that if the police who should aid him in his job as a journalist were the ones violating his fundamental right to fair hearing, then there was no little hope for the common man.

“I feel terrible at what the police who should assist me in my job and who ought to work hand in hand with journalists put me through. It was only the DPO of the Division that was humane in handling the matter. I was denied of my right to fair hearing before been forcefully put in police custody.

Nsikak was later released after due identification from his colleague but he is of the view that his fundamental human right was trampled upon by the same people who should have the mandate to protect the people.

Maritime Workers Poise Promote Ethical Conduct

by Glory Ekong

The maritime workers union of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State district has called on members to ensure ethical conduct in moving the union forward through its activities and programmes. The district chairman of the union comrade Ekong Atai said while speaking to journalist in Ibeno that the union is committed to ensure that members work in accordance with the rules and constitutional provision covering its operation.

Comrade Attai commended Ibeno unit of maritime workers under the leadership of comrade Andrew Effiong Otu for the opening of maritime base in Ibeno, purchase of speed boats, engine and safety equipment to boast maritime activities in the area.

He used the occasion to advice maritime stakeholders and investors to ensure that they comply to the condition of their operation in the maritime territory stressing that trawller fishermen, sand operators and firewood collectors must work in tanden with approve standard.

Comrade Attai also implore members of the public to be guided in their dealings with maritime officials noting that union would not condone action that will tarnish the image of the union especially in the area of training and employment, maintaining that people should cross check information from maritime offices to guard against extortion.
The district chairman lamented the loses face by members across the State during the rainy season such as canoe mishap in coastline communities of Ibeno and oil spilages of Exxon-Mobil that have devastated the operation of its members and he called on the State, Federal Government and Exxon Mobil to come to the aid of its members and pay due compensation.