Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), has taken a firm stand on the issue of professionalism within its ranks.
Giving a recount of what transpired at its National Executive Council(NEC) meeting held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Chief Chris Isiguzo, the National President of the Union said that henceforth the issue of professionalism within its ranks will be properly addressed as quacks are giving the profession a bad image.
To this end state councils have been mandated to produce up-to-date Compendium of journalists practising in their states and were given a week’s grace to submit their lists to the NUJ national headquarters in Abuja.
Going further, the Union took exception to the idea whereby some government ministries, departments and agencies and even political parties prefer to engage non professionals as their media aides. The Union disclosed that henceforth such anomaly would not be permitted while hinting that the Presidency would be notified about this new directive.
Taking into cognisance the recent fire incidents in the Independent National Electoral Commissions(INEC) offices in some parts of the country, the NUJ charged security agencies to live up to their responsibilities by providing water tight security blanket for the electoral commissions facilities.
NUJ appealed to the security agencies not to employ intimidation and harrassment of journalists as a tool in the course of carrying out their constitutional role of informing, educating and entertaining the populace.
The NUJ charged political parties to be tolerant and give equal access to public facilities by others so that they can tell the electorates their manifestoes.
On the devastating effect of flooding all over the country the NUJ called on the government to declare a state of emergency on bad roads that make accessibility between neighbouring states difficult if not traumatic.
On traditional rulers, the Union charged the government to assign roles to them in the constitution to reduce crime as they are the closest to the people.
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