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NUJ President decries incessant missing of journalists… says 44 Nigerian Journalists brutally murdered in 2021

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The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo has expressed sadness over the way and manner journalists are maimed, brutalised, kidnapped and killed.

Isiguzo noted that last year was a bad one for Nigerian journalists as 44 of them were brutally murdered.

The pathetic situation faced by media practitioners in Nigeria was revealed by the Union’s national president.

He said 44 journalists in Nigeria were brutally killed in 2021 while scores were declared missing even as others are under serious threats.

Isiguzo spoke during the first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and National Security Summit with the theme: “National Interest Amidst Insecurity – The role of the media”, organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) held last year at Luxury Hotel, Lafia in Nasarawa South.

The NUJ president said the country would be a better place for all if media practitioners were given the opportunity to practice without encumbrances, describing journalists as the oxygen of democracy.

He expressed sadness over the way and manner journalists are maimed, brutalised while some were kidnapped or killed, adding that in 2020 no fewer than 200 media practitioners were killed worldwide.

Isiguzo, who appreciated NAWOJ for organising the summit for practitioners, said banditry and kidnapping are the mantra of the lead administration leading to the shut down of communication in states like Zamfara.

The NUJ president said the primary responsibility of a “responsible government is securing the life and property of the people, adding that the most affected in the insecurity in the country are women.

Isiguzo called on the corps marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to call the sector commandant of Nasarawa State to order for keeping the national president of NAWOJ, Ladi Bala, for four hours on the highway.

He warned that the impunity being meted on journalists must stop, especially in this democratic era.While urging journalists to consider national interest by reporting positive occurrences in the country.

Bala, in her welcome address, thanked the governor of the state for creating an enabling environment for all to live and work.

She expressed worry over the rising spate of banditry and kidnapping, stating that insecurity has disrupted the diversification of the agriculture sector.

“The diversification of agriculture is a mirage due to the increasing cases of kidnapping,” she said.

Bala said peace and harmony had been eroded while the economy was dwindling, adding that the cumulative catastrophe of the nation was being felt by all.

The governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, applauded NAWOJ for the choice of the state, The secretary to the state government (SSG), Barrister Abdullahi Ubandoma, who represented him, expressed optimism over the success of the summit.

Governor Sule said security remains everybody’s business and attributed the choice of the state for the summit to its peaceful nature.

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NUJ declares 3 days mourning for late Ex-President, Iwouha

by Editor
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Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has mourned the death of one of its past leaders, MR BONNIE IWOUHA, who died yesterday evening in Umuahia, Abia State.

A Preacher and Minister of the Gospel, Mr Iwouha served as National President of the Union from 1996-1997.

He was a former Managing Editor/Head of Editorial Department, Daily Times of Nigeria, 1991-93, Media Adviser to the Governor of Abia State and Abia State Commissioner of Information.

According to a press statement signed by the President of the Union, Chief Chris Isiguzo, “a very committed member of the NUJ, Mr Iwouha had been very passionate about the Union and journalism and he dedicated his time and energy towards building a better Union and enhancing the practice of the profession.

“In 2003, he participated as member of the NUJ National Registration Council together with the late Prince Tony Momoh and others, to produce the first ever Compendium of Journalists in Nigeria”.

Meanwhile, the President of the Union has directed all the 36 State Councils and the FCT to open Condolence Registers in the name of the deceased leader while a 3days mourning period has been declared by the Union from Tuesday, December 28 to Thursday, December 30, 2021.

“We extend our condolences to his immediate family and to the journalism fraternity and pray that God Almighty will ease the pains of his sudden departure”, the statement added.

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Tordue Salem: NUJ demands independent inquiry, autopsy

by Editor
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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council has tasked the Federal Government to empanel an independent probe into circumstances surrounding the death of Vanguard Newspapers reporter, Tordue Salem.

Salem went missing on October 13 in Abuja and was reported dead on November 11 by the newspaper he worked with for several years.

In a press statement, Friday in Abuja, jointly signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochiaka Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary of the Council respectively, the Union said it was disturbed by the death of Mr. Salem and the account of the police was not in sync with credible investigation.

“The death of Mr. Tordue Salem opens another dark chapter for journalism and Journalists in Nigeria and we are grievously saddened by it,” the statement reads.

“While the NUJ appreciates the effort of the police in finding the corpse of Mr. Salem, as a union we are not persuaded by the account of the police as it poses more questions than answers.It is in this regard that we urge President Muhammadu Buhari to order for an independent inquiry into the tragic end of Mr. Tordue.

“The NUJ also demands for an independent autopsy so as to allay the fears of thousands of Journalists and citizens across the country that indeed the late Mr. Tordue was a victim of a hit and run driver.”

According to the Union, the very fact that the family of the deceased as well as the leadership of the Union were not contacted prior to the public announcement of the finding of his corpse remains suspicious as well as the identity of whoever deposited it at the morgue.

The statement expressed the fear that without concrete action and bringing to book those responsible for the dastardly act, more Journalists will be in grave danger and further weaken democratic ethos and the ability to hold government accountable.

Continuing, NUJ also urged for robust action to ensure the protection of Journalists and to repeal laws that are being used to prosecute them.

“The NUJ is deeply concerned that the space for press freedom is fast shrinking, with the authority and political officeholders using draconian laws as well as new measures to silence critical voices and independent media”.

It cited rising threats to press freedom to include authority and political officeholders to harass Journalists by smearing critical coverage as fake news and new laws related to digital communication, which would effectively silence Journalists from holding government accountable to the people.

The Union called on the International Community to focus on Nigeria and help to bring to account all those responsible for media abuse, intimidation, harassment and even murder.

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Tordue: A tragic, Sad end – NUJ President

by Editor
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The National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has noted with regret and sadness, the brutal murder of the Vanguard reporter, Late Tordue Henry Salem, who went missing in Abuja on October 13, 2021.

In a statement signed by the President of the Union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, “it is a loss that is so painful to bear.

“While we commend the Nigeria Police for discovering the body of the Late Tordue, whose death in such a manner clearly highlights and further exposes the dangers journalists encounter in carrying their work, we however urge the law enforcement agencies to go beyond just discovering the corpse by ensuring that all hanging questions are answered.

“In specific terms, while details of the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the remains of the late journalist are still sketchy, we reiterate our call to the Police to move fast and fish out the culprits behind this dastardly act with a view to bringing them to book.

“When journalists work in fear, the freedom of expression and freedom of the press suffer and democracy will be worse off. It is therefore pertinent that deliberate efforts are made to ensure the safety and security of media professionals.

“We sincerely express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the Late Tordue and pray God to console them and members of the journalism profession in Nigeria,” the statement said.

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President Buhari Congratulates newly elected NUJ executive

by Editor
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The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the outcome of their seventh triennial delegates’ conference which saw the re-election of Chris Isiguzo for a second term in office as President.

According to a press release signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President(Media & Publicity), Shahu Garba, “From the outset of this Administration, President Buhari has made clear that ‘‘press freedom is an irreducible minimum in a democracy that would flourish’’, however, such freedom must be used responsibly.”

The president noted that considering the formidable role the media play in shaping and influencing the course of events in any society, he reminded the NUJ leadership that the country will continue to look up to their members for fair, balanced and objective journalism.

President Buhari however, urges the media to forge greater unity in the union, engage in productive dialogue to resolve any issue inimical to the progress of the association.

The President assures the newly elected executives that this administration will uphold and unrelentingly safeguard the watchdog role provided for the media in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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National Secretariat of NUJ Inuagurates Rivers State Caretaker Committee

by Editor
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Sequel to the stalemated election of Rivers State Chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists on 12th July, 2021 and the expiration of the tenure of immediate past Executive of the union led Stanley Job Stanley, the national President of NUJ Chris Isiguzo today sent a delegation to Inaugurate a Caretaker Committee made up of eight Chapels that are on clear financial standing.

On arrival at the state Secretariat, the outgone Chairman Stanley Job Stanley and Secretary, Ike Wigodo in connivance with some hired tugs resisted the national officers from carrying out the directive of the national President.

Determined not to fail in the duty assigned to them, the national officers led by the National Trustee zone F, Angese John Inaugurated Chairmen and Secretaries of eight chapels on clear financial standing as caretaker commitee.

The Caretaker Committee members include:

1 Federal Ministry of Information Chapel a) Chairman, Gabriel Obokwub) Secretary, Helen Nsirim

2. State Ministry of Information Chapel a) Chairman – Owupele Benibo

3. The Tide Chapel a) Chairman – Amadi Akujobib) Secretary – Kevin Nengia

4. Radio Rivers Chapel a) Chairman – Lekia Godspower Anyab) Secretary – Asitonka Fubara-Tams

5. RSTV Chapel a) Chairman – Nnamdi Oliminib) Secretary – Justice Ihunwo

6. Correspondents Chapel a) Chairman – Amaechi Okonkwo b) Secretary – Chidi Ohalete

7. NTA Chapel a) Chairman – Kingsley Amajiri b) Secretary- Robinson Derateide

8. Treasure FM (FRCN) Chapel.a) Chairman – Gabriel Okechukwu.

At the end of the Inauguration, Amaechi Okonkwo of the Correspondents’ Chapel was elected by the Caretaker Committee as Chairman while Justice Ihunwo of Rivers State Television was elected Secretary.

The national Trustee enjoined the Committee to ensure successful completion of the State council election and return the council to the part of peace.

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NUJ Resolves Impasse In Rivers Council, Inaugurates Caretaker Committee

by Editor
written by Editor

The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has resolved the seeming crisis that rocked the Rivers State Council of NUJ after their election was stalemated. Today, Thursday 9th September, 2021, a Caretaker Committee of the Council was inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the Council pending when it would be able to bring all parties together for a proper election to usher in a substantive State Working Committee for the Council.

Carrying out the function of the inauguration, a 3- Man Committee made up of the National Trustee of Zone F, Comrade John Angese, Edo Council Chairman, Comrade Roland Osakue and Delta Council Secretary, Comrade Patrick Ochei effected the orders of the National Secretariat by duly constituting the Caretaker Committee with Comrade Amaechi Okonkwo of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel as Chairman and Comrade Justice Ihunwo of the Rivers State Television Chapel as the Secretary respectively.

It was a tug of war as the outgone Chairman and Secretary, Stanley Job and Ike Wigodo unleashed thugs from their camp on the delegated officers, whereby Edo Council Chairman was punched severally in an attempt to screen the SEC members who had filed out for inauguration.

However, with the assistance of the Police and DSS officers mobilized to provide security based on the urging of Radio Rivers Chapel Chairman (the Chapel of Comrade Stanley Job), we were able to leave the NUJ Press Centre to Radio Rivers where the inauguration took place.

Briefing newsmen after the inauguration, the leader of the three man delegation, John Angese said there can never be a vacuum in any leadership position of NUJ, adding that the tenure of Stanley Job’s Exco had expired since June and he should constitutionally vacate office rather than putting up a show to remain in office. He asked the newly constituted Caretaker Committee members to urgently restore peace to the Council and put machinery in place to conduct the Council election soonest.

He frowned at the behaviours and actions of certain members and leaders of Rivers Council who tried vehemently to resist the delegated officers from carrying out the assignment for which they were sent to Rivers State.

His words, “I cannot believe that some persons could be so bold to disrespect the authority of the union by obstructing delegates of National Secretariat from accessing the Union’s facility. This attitude is very unpleasant in the sense that all properties of the union belong to the National Secretariat.

“We have played our part, and we thank God for our safety and the success of today’s inauguration, not withstanding the opposition.

“All I want to advise the new leadership is to ensure that you carry every stakeholder and member along in your decisions. Show good leadership example; distinguish yourself from the tout-like behaviour we have seen displayed here today”, Angese advised.

Responding to questions from newsmen, the new Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Amaechi Okonkwo promised to ensure a peaceful election of the Council in no time.

He assured to carry every stakeholder along, insisting that no member would be denied his or her quality contributions in the Committee’s quest to institute a united and peaceful Council.

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