The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a stern warning to politicians in Ondo and Edo States, urging them to refrain from attacking journalists during the upcoming gubernatorial elections. This call for restraint comes as part of a broader set of concerns addressed by the union during its recent quarterly National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
NUJ National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, emphasized the crucial role of journalists in Nigeria’s democratic process. “Journalists are key stakeholders in our nation’s democracy and must be protected, not attacked,” Isiguzo stated. “The union will not take kindly to any assault on our members.”
The NEC meeting, which concluded with a comprehensive communique, touched on several pressing issues affecting both the journalism profession and the nation at large. One significant point of discussion was the Media Enhancement Bill, passed by the Adamawa State House of Assembly in 2022. The NUJ called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to sign this bill into law without further delay.
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Isiguzo said, “The Media Enhancement Bill, when signed into law, will significantly improve the standard of living for journalists in Adamawa State. We urge Governor Fintiri to prioritize this legislation in the interest of journalists working in the state.”
The union also expressed deep concern over the escalating cost of living in Nigeria. The NEC urged the federal government to implement immediate measures to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens.
“The rising prices of essential commodities are becoming unbearable for Nigerians,” the communique noted.
Security issues were another focal point of the meeting. The NUJ highlighted the persistent challenges of kidnapping, violent crimes, insurgency, banditry, and militancy across various regions of the country.
“NEC calls on the heads of the nation’s security apparatus to rise to the occasion and address these situations urgently,” the union demanded.
Infrastructure concerns were not overlooked. The NUJ criticized the vandalism of power installations in the North East and other parts of the country, calling for immediate restoration of electricity supply to affected areas. Additionally, the poor state of roads nationwide prompted the union to appeal for swift intervention from both federal and state governments.
“We call on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to urgently proffer measures to ease the sufferings of motorists,” the communique stated.
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In a move to strengthen its own institutions, the NUJ mandated its National Secretariat to overhaul and reorganize the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) by instituting a new Governing Council for optimal performance.
As Nigeria grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the NUJ’s call to action serves as a reminder of the critical role that journalists play in highlighting and addressing national issues.
The union’s stance underscores the need for a safe and enabling environment for media professionals to carry out their essential duties in service of the nation’s democracy
