By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State Chapter, has called for dialogue and restraint in resolving the controversy involving the Kaduna State Police Command, JKD Radio/Television and a female journalist with the station, Zainab Salihu Yabagi.

The association made the appeal in a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Sahura Maidoki, and Secretary, Dr Hadiza Bello Abdullahi.

NAWOJ said the appeal followed reports concerning a broadcast involving President Ahmed Tinubu’s Political Adviser (SA) Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, and subsequent moves by the police to invite Yabagi over the matter.

It urged the police, the management of JKD Radio/Television and all other parties involved to explore dialogue, mutual understanding and established institutional mechanisms to resolve the dispute.

The association acknowledged that allegations arising from professional activities should be properly addressed, but maintained that efforts should first be made to settle the matter amicably without resorting to prolonged legal proceedings.

“NAWOJ therefore appeals to the Kaduna State Police Command to consider resolving the matter with the management of JKD Radio/Television without further escalation into prolonged legal processes, provided the rights and interests of all parties are adequately protected,” the statement said.

NAWOJ also appealed to Masari to demonstrate leadership and magnanimity by supporting an amicable resolution of the matter.

While stressing that journalists are not above the law and must operate in accordance with legal provisions and professional ethics, the association noted that journalism remained a human endeavour in which mistakes and misunderstandings could occur.

It said dialogue, clarification, correction and reconciliation should be prioritised where they could prevent unnecessary escalation.

The association called on all parties to approach the matter with maturity and restraint while respecting the responsibilities of the police, the management of the station and the professional obligations of the journalist.

NAWOJ reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism, professionalism, respect for the law and the peaceful resolution of disputes involving women journalists and other media practitioners.

It urged the parties to “sheathe their swords” and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution in the interest of peace, the journalism profession and the image of Kaduna State and Nigeria.