…advocates protection for Journalists
By Hope James
The President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo has pleaded with Politicians across the country to shun vote buying, use of violence, blackmail, hate speeches, spreading of fake news and use of intemperate language.
Isiguzo, in a statement by the National Secretary of the Union, Shuaibu Usman Leman noted that avoidance of those social vices are important for the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.
He equally appealed to the Federal Government to take effective measures for better protection of Journalists while on election duty.
The statement read in part, “Comrade Isiguzo appeals to politicians to stop overheating the polity ahead of the election through blackmail, hate speeches, spreading of fake news, use of intemperate language, vote buying and use of violence.
“The President cautions that Journalists must be alert at all times while on election duty. Specifically, Isiguzo advises Journalists in the field to work together with other colleagues in groups and warns them to avoid any area where they feel insecure or threatened.
“He particularly appeals to the Federal Government and all States of the Federation, to take effective measures for better protection of journalists while on election duty.
“He frowns at a situation where those in authority deliberately use Security Personnel or other Freelance non State Actors to threaten Journalists or out rightly attack them and their equipment.
“He notes that the Nigeria Union of Journalists National Secretariat in furtherance of its roles of promoting our democratic culture has opened an Elections Situation Room at the headquarters of the Union in Abuja ahead of this Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“The National President, who heads the Situation Room is expected to receive reports from Journalists on election duty on acts of impunity against the media through dedicated telephone numbers to be provided to all the 36 State Councils of the Union and the FCT.”