Abuja NUJ Council raises alarm over invasion of premises by armed men  Posted Tue Jan 10,2012

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Council, has raised alarm over the Gestapo-like invasion of its premises by unidentified armed men suspected to be government operatives.  The Council in a statement in Abuja by its chairman, Jacob Edi, said the armed men invaded the council's premises at about 11am when the anti subsidy removal protest was going on.

The men had accosted the clerical assistant (names with held) asking for 'Jacob Edi, chairman NUJ Abuja.' On close questioning by the clerical staff and another journalist on the matter of looking for the chairman, one of the men said to the assistant 'you look like the chairman,' before they turned and zoomed off in their unmarked Peugot car. 

According to Edi, the invasion might not be unconnected with a press briefing by the council on the fuel subsidy removal which he condemned the deregulation policy. He observed that the invasion underscores government's desperation and intolerance of those against the controversial policy. Edi disclosed that the union will petition the Inspector General of Police over the matter.