The Nigerian Universal Periodic Review Media Network (UPRMN) has called on the Nigerian Police to re-double their efforts to protect lives and properties of Rivers State people.
They said the call become necessary following the series of protest that have erupted the state in recent times.
The Nigerian Universal Periodic Review media Network made its position known in a press statement during an emergency meeting of the body on 18th July 2013 at the secretariat No. 12 Mannila Pepple Street, D/line, Port Harcourt.
Nigerian UPR media Network are group of journalists fighting for the fundamental Right of citizens of Nigeria under the Universal Periodic Review a commission under the United Nations.
Earlier, the coordinator of UPRMN coalition and President for the Movement of the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara stated that in every four years, the United Nations reviews its member countries to know the status of Human Right record as it relates to it citizens.
He said by October this year Nigeria will be reviewed for the second time by the United Nations.
The coordinator told journalists that the Civil Society Coalition under UPR has produced some Human Rights Documents in the Niger Delta, showing the violation of Human Rights in the region.
He said one of the recommendations during the review of Nigeria was the press freedom, while challenging the press to redouble their effort to monitor the process and report all abuses, harassment and intimidation of journalist by any government especially the access to information without interference.
In a statement released earlier, the Nigerian UPRMN media network condemned bloodbath on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly, saying that the act amounts to torture and negates the rights of members of the house.
The group called on both sides to be more dedicated to the work of Rivers people than to fight for their personal aggrandizement.
The network observed with dismay the non-inclusive consultation on the UPR by the Nigerian government as it lacks adequate participants.
The Human Right activist also condemned the manner in which journalists who covered the Assembly on the day of the fracas were searched at the entrance as this act is totally against the freedom of expression.
They called on the Nigeria police in the state to re-double their effort to protect lives and properties of the citizens.
The group stated that war on the pages of papers, television and radio will not settle the matter but will increase the tension saying that much money has been expended during this crisis especially on the national media. ###
