Chaos in National Assembly as Security Operatives enforce order against Journalists

Pandemonium erupted at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday as security personnel allegedly blocked accredited journalists from accessing the legislative chambers.

Dozens of journalists were left stranded outside the complex, confused about the sudden restriction. Security officers, including Sergeant-at-Arms personnel and police officers, claimed they were acting on “orders from above” to prevent entry for anyone without a permanent official identity card.

Despite journalists explaining that the National Assembly’s Information Department had yet to issue them permanent ID cards, security agents refused to grant access. Efforts to negotiate entry for those with temporary ID cards or official clearance were also rejected.

Tensions escalated as security operatives resorted to verbal abuse and, in some cases, physical aggression. During the altercation, The Sun newspaper’s photojournalist, Mudashiru Atanda, sustained injuries, while The Nation newspaper’s Nicolas Kalu and Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) Gloria Essien were also pushed aside while attempting to mediate.

In a shocking incident, a security officer reportedly seized the smartphone of Tolu Akinyemi, a journalist with SuperScreen Television, threatening that she would never recover it.

When contacted, the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) denied issuing any directive to bar journalists from the premises under any circumstances.