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Tag: NUJ

  • NUJ declares one week mourning for assassinated journalist

    The Adamawa Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) has declared a one week mourning for late Maxwell Nashon, a journalist who was murdered on Wednesday in the state.

    Nashon was a reporter with Fombina FM, Yola, before he was killed.

    Mr Ishaku Donald, the state NUJ Chairman said this in a statement on Friday in Yola.

    The Adamawa Council of NUJ has declared one week mourning and prayer for the repose of the soul of our great member, late Maxwell Nashon.

    “His killing was not only inhumane and barbaric but unpardonable injury meted on the union.

    “While the union condoles with the family of the deceased, management and staff of the FRCN Fombina FM Yola, it calls on the State Government and security agencies to step up measures to stem the current insecurity challenge,” Donald said.

    He said that the council would continue to remember Nashon for his commitment and sacrifice to duty.

  • Harbingers of fake news ‘ll be jailed, says new Abuja NUJ chapel Chairman

    Harbingers of fake news ‘ll be jailed, says new Abuja NUJ chapel Chairman

    Harbingers of fake news and unregistered journalists will be brought to book once they are accosted.

    Newly elected Chairman of the Abuja Correspondents chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Phil Nyam made this disclosure on Monday.

    Nyam in a chat with TNG said:”The activities of fake journalists has seriously dented the image of genuine journalists here in Abuja.

    “They disseminate fake information and go about obtaining money from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government without delivery.

    “The chapel in conjunction with the council will ensure that such unregistered journalists are flushed out of the system and those caught in the act will be prosecuted.

    ” We see them in the national Assembly, major event centres parading fake Identity cards and we have secured their list.

    The NUJ council last Saturday conducted an election that ushered in Phil Nyam of New Telegraph as Chairman, Huram Lokodi as vice chairman of Gotel Tv, Jide Oyekunle, Secretary of chapel, Emmanuel Ehijene of PTV, treasurer and Lizzy Atime of Order Paper, emerged Assistant Secretary of chapel.

  • NUJ condemns demolition of Ayefele’s Fresh FM station

    The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Sunday condemned the demolition of Yinka Ayefele’s Music House which houses his Fresh FM 105.9 radio station.

    A statement jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Mr Adewunmi Faniran, and the Secretary, Mr Bola Ogunlayi, said it was highly disturbed that the building was demolished when the matter was before a court of competent jurisdiction.

    The building belonging to the popular musician was demolished at about 4.30 am on Sunday by the state government for allegedly contravening its town planning laws.

    The council expressed concern about the fate of the journalists and other media workers in the establishment as well as the loss suffered by the owner of the broadcast outfit.

    “As the fourth estate of the realm and believer in the rule of law, the Oyo State NUJ expects that the court would have been left to take a definite decision on the issue of demolition before it was carried out,” it said.

    The council called on the state government to ensure that “ it comes to the aid of Fresh FM which has been a pride of Ibadan in particular and Oyo State.’’

    It urged the government to relocate the station to another site and ensure the smooth take-off of its operations.

     

  • NUJ condemns arrest of Premium Times journalist

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists have criticized the police over the arrest and detention of PREMIUM TIMES’ security sector reporter, Samuel Ogundipe, on Tuesday.

     

    Samuel Ogundipe was arrested for reporting on the report sent to the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbanjo by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on the sacked and detained DG of SSS, Malam Lawal Daura.

     

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists in a statement released by it’s National President, Abdulwaheed Odusile, said the union “is horrified by the constant harassment and molestation of Journalists by the Police and other Agents of the State and requests that such should abate forthwith.”

    “It should be noted that confidentiality of sources is necessary for good journalism to flourish and Journalists should not be coerced into revealing such sources.We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Samuel Ogundipe and an end to all forms of impunity against the media”, Odusile noted.

     

    Nigerians across board and on social media have also been calling for the release of Mr Ogundipe using the hashtag #FreeSamuelOgundipe on Twitter.

     

    “On the same day you ordered the police to overhaul SARS, SARS still arrested Samuel Ogundipe, a @PremiumTimesng journalist because of a story. Please consider this as evidence that SARS needs to be scrapped and not overhauled. #EndSARS,” a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, wrote.

  • JUST IN: Wamakko denies receiving EFCC invitation

    Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, a former Sokoto State governor has denied receiving any invitation to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corrupt practices.

    Wamakko told members of the Correspondent Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Sunday in Sokoto that recent media reports to that effect were fake and concocted by mischief makers to tarnish his image.

    “It is a public knowledge that I live a simple life since from my class teacher status till I become the state governor and the present status.

    “I believe in God that gives power to whom he wishes and is Almighty that raised my political carrier to the present status and I have the belief that He the Almighty only could bring me down,’’ Wamakko declared.

    He added: “All the stories that Wamakko is being invited by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are fake and rubbish a calculated attempt of some detractors to tarnish my image’’

    “The dastardly publications in the dailies mischievously quoted a petition by some non existent and faceless merchants of doom, linking Sen. Rabiu Kwnakwaso and I to alleged mismanagement of over N18 billion when we were in office as state governors.”

    He challenged those peddling the fake news to publish his bank accounts and other details to back their claim.

    Wamakko noted that the purported petition did not emanate from the EFCC “but from some chronic merchants of falsehood.”

    “The EFCC is a reputable agency that has officials with respect and decorum, who will never use unethical language like the one used in the said publication.”

    “ During my tenure as Governor, I only visited United States and United Kingdom once each and were all based on invitations.”

    Wamakko listed some of his achievement as governor to include construction of five functional tertiary education institutions, 450 Primary Health Centers with staff quarters and ambulance, 5,000 houses, empowerment of over 500, 000 youths and construction of over 1000 classrooms and three boarding secondary schools.

    He added that during his stewardship, all state owned shares doubled their returns, while the government also provided 42 township roads, rehabilitated four federal roads and raised the number of students sitting for JAMB exams from about 6,000 to 35, 000.

    Wamakko further said he was among the first governors to pay the N18, 000 minimum wage and ensured that he cleared all salary and workers entitlements before handing over to the present government.

    “I am human capable of making mistakes, a loyal citizen that is not above the law, therefore I can submit myself for legitimate scrutiny and not this mere media trial.’’

    The Senator described his relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari as cordial and mutual.

    ” Our relationship is excellent, we do meet regularly to discuss myriad of vital national issues and there has never been a time when my request to see him was turned down.”

     

  • Plateau govt. seeks partnerships with Facebook, Google, others

    The Plateau Government says it is initiating talks with its development partners, multinationals like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and local organisations to develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the state.

    The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Dan Manjang, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos when the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau Council, paid him a courtesy visit.

    Manjang said that the desire of the government to partner with these organisations was in a bid to facilitate the development of ICT skills of its people, especially the youths, through training using these platforms.

    “We are consulting with our development partners and will soon commence talks with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and some other local organisations to ensure the skills of the Plateau people are harnessed,’’ he said.

    The commissioner said the state government was working toward organising a science and technology summit, adding that government hoped the event would herald the formulation of a viable science policy.

    “The relevant technology centres in our state presently produces mobile aids for physically challenged people and our science production centre produces laboratory equipment for secondary and tertiary institutions.

    “The works from our technology incubation centre have been presented at international forums such as a drone produced there was presented at a competition in Indonesia.

    “We emerged third at the competition; a tractor and bullet-proof vests and many more have been produced at the centre.

    “The state government wants to encourage these inventors to do more by revamping these centres and creating a more enabling environment through training and provision of equipments and infrastructure,’’ he said.

    Manjang told the correspondent chapel officials that journalism could also be synchronised to ICT, adding that reports could be presented from the fields through digitisation.

    Mr Aminu Yusuf, the Chairman, Plateau Correspondents Chapel, said the visit was to congratulate the commissioner on his new appointment and discuss on possible collaborations.

    Yusuf urged the commissioner to discharge his duties efficiently, saying he was assigned to the office because of his pragmatic disposition and pedigree.

    The commissioner was sworn into office on March 1.

     

  • NUJ throws weight behind member’s foray into politics

    The Delta state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday in Asaba, the State Capital threw its weight behind the candidature of one of its member contesting the House of Representatives seat for Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire.

    The Union at its congress in Asaba welcomed the idea of the member taking a shot at the exalted green chambers, saying that it would make formal declaration on Omafuaire’s ambition.

    Comrade Michael Ikeogwu during the congress called on all journalists in the State to see Omafuaire election as a duty for all. He added that if others are qualified to run for such office, a journalist is even more qualified to be supported.

    He noted that Omafuaire who is also a Senior Journalist cum lawyer, stand the chances of making it as the former National President of the NUJ, stressing that Senator Smart Adeyemi who led the union did creditably well at the red chambers.

    Ikeogwu urged all journalists in the state to give Omafuaire campaign a wide coverage as the project will enhance the growth of the Union.

    Other members who spoke extol the rare qualities of Omafuaire and stated that they are optimistic that Omafuaire is the real deal, calling on all political leaders in the State to support Omafuaire.

     

  • NUJ condemns police brutality on officials in Warri

    NUJ condemns police brutality on officials in Warri

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents Chapel condemned in its entirety the assault on its chairman, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire by men of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Oleh Police Division and official of Isoko South Local Government Environment department led by the Supervising Councillor, Mr Kenneth Ogba, during today (Saturday, 27th January) environmental sanitation exercise at the council area.

    The Union states vehemently that assaulting a journalist who is on essential duty like those who were deployed to cover and enforce law and order, after due introduction of self is unacceptable as we view that as attempt to gag the press from doing its job.

    Journalists, for no reason should not suffer any prejudice in course of their duties, as such a journalist who known his right must refuse any directive or interference that is contrary to the general policy of his organisation; therefore attempt by the policemen and other officials of the council to manhandle our chairman because they were deployed to enforce restrictions of movement is repugnant to journalistic practice.

    Journalist, among others like the police, members of Environmental department of council also have the right to movement and it is only a policeman who need to be schooled that would say journalist are suppose to sit at home during Environmental Sanitation exercise whereas himself is licence to stay on the street to maintain law and order.

    A journalist who is worth his declaration to exercise his journalistic duties, doesn’t need a police permit or an accreditation by the local government council to cover sanitation exercise or being elsewhere on the road as anything could happen that is in the public interest anytime.

    Therefore, the assault on our chairman, seizure of his work tools, like camera, identification card and car key under the guise of trying to enforce restriction of movement order is condemnable, unacceptable and an affront to journalistic practice.

    We would not condone such barefaced act from anybody who claim to be doing his duty and trying to shut down journalist who should have free access to all sources of information and the right to investigate without impediment anything that is in the public interest.

    NUJ State Council Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu who also expressed displeasure over the development, emphasized that he wouldn’t condone any embarrassment of journalists who are legitimately doing their job.

    “Any policeman that doesn’t know that journalists monitor environmental sanitation exercise or are allowed access while such exercise are taking place like others on essential duty should go back to training”.

    Meanwhile, the chapel is relieved by the prompt response of the chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon Constantine Itiako Ikpokpo whose attention was drawn to the ugly incident by the Secretary of the Chapel, Comrade Joe Ogbodu and honourably called to apology over the incident.

    Signed: Joe Ogbodu, Secretary, NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel

  • NUJ condemns call for sales of National Theatre, NTA, VON, others

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ), Lagos State Council, has condemned the call by a serving senator that some federal agencies should be sold.

    The union’s condemnation was contained in a communiqué it issued late Saturday night after its December monthly congress held at the Ladi Lawal Press Centre, Ikeja.

    The union during the congress deliberated on issues affecting its members as well as the state of the nation.

    In the communiqué signed by its chairman, Dr. Quaseem Akinreti said, “The Congress condemns in totality the call for the sales of some national commonwealth such as the Nigerian Television Authority( NTA) the National Theatre, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria(FRCN) and the Voice of Nigeria,(VON), as canvassed by a member of the National Assembly.

    “The congress calls for the appropriate funding of these National Assets and other MDAs so that they will continue to generate employment opportunities for the nation.’’

    On beat associations, it urged owners of media houses to pay their staff as and when due to ensure decorum in the journalism practice.

    It condemned situations whereby some media owners owned their staffers several months of unpaid salary arrears.

    The congress also called on the NUJ at the national and state levels to always monitor activities of beat associations with a view to sanctioning those found to be involved in unethical conducts.

    On issues affecting members, it advised that all relevant stakeholders in the media industry should always be involved in taking unanimous decisions before such decisions were implemented.
    “It calls for a reorientation of members on proper conduct at assignments and the remodeling of beat associations in the line of professionalism.’’

    The congress, however, kicked against corrupt tendencies among members, while calling for the enforcement of rules guiding against unethical behaviours within the profession.

    The congress also decried the abandoning of the pursuance of the minimum Wage/Media Enhancement Bill by the national body of the union.

    “It promises to take the lead by submitting to the Lagos State House of Assembly a Media Enhancement Bill that will stipulate the guidelines to be adhered to by intending media owners in the state regarding salaries for their would-be workers.’’

    The congress also frowned at the upsurge of fake journalists in Lagos State and planned a review of journalists’ biometrics in 2018 to curb the menace.

    It also decried the incessant harassments of journalists by security operatives while on lawful duty in the communique.
    The congress said that it would through its state executive inaugurate a security chapel for public relations officers from the armed forces and other security agencies to forge cordial relations between the two organisations.

     

  • NUJ blows hot over incessant assault on journalists, says ‘Enough is enough’

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Monday condemned the incessant assault melted out to its members by some military operatives.

    The reaction is coming after a Photojournalist with Daily Trust newspapers, Mr. Ikechukwu Ibe by an Army Captain.

    The NUJ noted that such brutal acts by operatives of the military in a democratic setting was uncalled for.

    The reaction was contained in a statement signed and issued by the secretary of the union, Rafat Salami.

    Read the full statement below:

    The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council condemns in its strongest terms, the unwarranted assault on a Photojournalist with Daily Trust newspapers, Mr. Ikechukwu Ibe by an Army Captain. Ibe was carrying out a legitimate assignment of news gathering on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at Jabi area of Abuja.

    Journalist Ibe was brutally assaulted leaving him with multiple lacerations and swollen eyes. Curiously, the over zealous military officers confiscated his camera, removed and destroyed the memory card just because he took some pictures of a vehicle that ran into a restaurant in Jabi.

    The NUJ to say the least, is disheartened over the ugly incident. Rather than treat journalists as partners in nation building, security agents have consistently treated journalists as enemies who must be crushed.

    More saddening is the fact that the assault took place just as Nigeria is preparing to commemorate the “International Day to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists” on November 2.

    This is unacceptable in a civilised and democratic nation where the Rule of Law must be allowed to thrive. It is a clear case of gross violation of the rights of the journalist.

    According to Ibe: “When I got there at about 3:00 pm, I introduced myself to the security men on ground and told them I would like to take some pictures”.

    He said when he started taking the pictures, the Army Captain, who wore a camouflage without a name tag and part of the Joint Ministerial Taskforce which included men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), pounced on him and started beating him up without provocation.”

    “They collected my camera, broke it and took my memory card which contained the photos that I had taken. They also tore my clothes before bundling me into a Black Maria where I met six other persons. I later put a call across to my photo editor and the Daily Trust Editor, who brought a pair of trousers to me at the Life Camp Police station where I was taken to.

    My editors later secured my release and my broken camera was handed back to me without the memory card. However, my Identity card and N3,700 cash in my pocket were not returned,” he said.

    The NUJ calls on government to

    1. bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act on this law abiding citizen, who was only doing his job to book,
    2. Immediately replace his camera,
    3. Adequately compensate Mr Ibe for the brutalization meted on him
    4. Tender an unreserved apology from the highest authority while putting up mechineries to prevent future incidences.

     

    Signed

    Rafat Salami

    Secretary