The Newswriter Newspaper in conjunction with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NJU), Rivers State chapter, have raised alarm over the persistent threat to the life of their member Comrade Alapakabia Tobin a Senior Correspondent in the media outfit.
The threats are from members of the Oil Bunkers Union in Bolo Community over a report on bunkering activities devastating the environment of the fishing community.
Comrade Tobin while briefing his colleagues in Port Harcourt said non-stop threats began to infiltrate his mobile phone from members of this illegal union in Bolo Community of Ogu/Bolo local government area of Rivers State few days after members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) unleashed attacks on illegal refining camps that led to the destruction of some illegal refineries operating in the area on the ground that the journalist reported the uncontrolled illegal bunkering activities going on the vicinity.
The Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Tukur Y. Buratai and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State have been notified on the unrelenting threats to the journalist to call the chairman of the illegal bunkering union Bob Branch to order.
According to the journalist, some of his friends and relations including his biological mother had advised him not to come home for now until adequate security measures are put in place for his safety, adding that members of the illegal bunkering union had already mobilized for his death consequent upon his disturbing their illegal bunkering operations.
The statement also appealed to the State Command to invite Mrs. Owunari Tamunodiepriye, Tamunodiepriye Nengisa, the Chairman of the Union and the Youth Council and the Chairman Bolo Council of Chiefs, to ascertain the rationale behind the death threats to their member who has the constitutional right to monitor, observe, protect and report to the tiers and arms of government. including parastatals, any illegal activity that the laws of the federation frown at irrespective of tribe, religion and bias.
Hear Him: “The sea where our parents sustained and matured us to be members of the society has been polluted with crude oil all over the place and anytime I arrive home I always call my people and advise them on their excesses. It appears illegal bunkering has been legalized in this part of Nigeria. And since my people feel that nobody can call them to order, I have no option than to apply the power of the pen. Does it mean because my people are doing what the law of the federation frowns at, I should remain silence when all the aquatic lives that sustained our people have been abused and desecrated?”
However, concerned friends and relations of the journalist yesterday called on him not to visit his home, adding that more threats are still unfolding and demanding the security operatives to save the soul of their friend and brother.
In a related development, practicing journalists in Rivers State have called on the state command of the Nigeria Police Force to protect the lives of practicing journalists and urged members of the society to see the role of journalists, as a determining factor in nation building.
