Brutal Assault On Journalists By Men Of Development Control At Nuj Chappel Utako: Sack Fct Minister Now
- Details
- Category: SPECIAL REPORTS
- Sunday, 01 July 2012
- By Osuagwu Ugochukwu Esq
Press Release: The invasion of the NUJ SECRETARIAT yesterday by men of Development Control which led to the alleged assault on Journalists from National Mirror and Vanguard Newspaper is most uncivilized. The demolition exercise no matter who ordered it could have been done with much civility. Assaulting the reporters was not
justified in any way. If reports reaching me are that the Demolition was ordered by the FCT Minister then it is most illegal and an affront on free speech.
When has the FCT Minister become a Court of Law or the Sheriff Unit of the Abuja High Court to effect such demolition? As far the law is clear demolition of property subject of Court Judgement can only be done by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court. And from reports reaching me, the Court officials were not there on ground to effect the demolition.The Deputy Sheriff is the only person authorised by law to enforce court judgment or orders. In FABUNMI V. OYEWUSI, the court held that “…the deputy sheriff is the agent of the judgment creditor for the purposes of levying execution of the judgment of the court.”
Unless the demolition was done by officers of the Abuja High Court then what happened on Friday remains an illegality. Demolition of immoveable property can only be done in line with Section 44 Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, CAP 407 LFN 1990 and nothing more.
And by this letter, I urge the President Goodluck Jonathan to sack the FCT Minister forthwith and bring to book the men of Development Control who effected the demolition contrary to due and legal process .
This Minister is noted for destroying properties in Abuja and rendering people homeless with no Housing policy in place for Abuja masses. No single housing unit has this Minister build for the masses yet he delights in destroying properties.
I also urge the affected and assaulted Journalists to enforce their fundamental rights amidst other redress. The Minister and Development Control should immediately restore the property in its original form and make compensation to the NUJ within SEVEN DAYS from the date of the letter.
OSUAGWU UGOCHUKWU ESQ
HUMAN RIGHTS ATTORNEY
ABUJA
30/06/2012
