NUJ Condemns Threat On the Life of Adamawa Council Chairman
By Lynn Adda
The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Zone E has strongly condemned the report of threats to the life of the Adamawa State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan by one Hamidu Muktari
The Union’s reaction is contained in a Press Release from the office of the Zonal Vice President of the Union, e-signed by the Zonal Secretary, Abubakar Musa Waziri, a copy of which was sent to Echo Express this Wednesday.
‘The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone E Comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, has received with grave concern the petition from Adamawa Council Chairman, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan, detailing a direct and public threat to his life by one Hamidu Muktari (alias Dogo). This incident occurred on May 30, 2025, at the Bwatiye International Cultural Fiesta in Yola, in the presence of the Executive Governor, security personnel, government officials, and fellow journalists.
Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan, Adamawa NUJ Chairman
“We condemn in the strongest terms this brazen act of intimidation against the leadership of the Fourth Estate in Adamawa State. Threatening a journalist let alone a union chairman during a state-sanctioned event is an assault on press freedom and democratic accountability.
“We note Comrade Dedan’s assertion that this is not Muktari’s first offense against journalists. Such recurrent aggression signifies a dangerous culture of impunity that undermines democracy.
“Demand for Accountability
We endorse Comrade Dedan’s prior reports to the Commissioner of Police and DSS and demand immediate, transparent investigation. Muktari must be summoned, interrogated, and prosecuted if culpable”.
The Union immediately demands that the PDP (Adamawa Chapter) must publicly denounce Muktari’s actions and suspend him from party activities pending investigation.
It therefore called on the CP and DSS Director to provide Comrade Dedan and his family with urgent security coverage.
“As the threat occurred during Governor Fintiri’s official function, we expect his office to publicly condemn this act and ensure state apparatuses safeguard press freedom.
“This incident reflects widening hostility toward journalists in Adamawa. We remind all political actors that:
Journalism is not a crime. Threats against the press are threats against democracy itself”.
The NUJ warned that it will escalate this matter to national/international bodies (NUJ National Secretariat, CPJ, Amnesty International) if local authorities fail to act.
“All North East and Nigerian journalists stand united behind Comrade Dedan. We will not be cowed by political thuggery. Our duty to hold power accountable remains non-negotiable”.
