Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) By Albert OGRAKA–
Speaker of the Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. -Hon. Monday Ovwigho Igbuya has urged media practitioners, especially members of tthe Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) to be more proactive in reporting activities of government and shun unethical practices.
Igbuya stated this on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 when the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta state Council, Comrade Norbert Chiazor led members of the Union to present an award of excellence to the Speaker at the Delta State House of Assembly Complex, Asaba.
The Speaker enjoined Journalists practicing in Delta state to engage in development journalism and use their profession to improve the status of Deltans, build trust and help showcase government’s laudable people oriented policies.
Igbuya who decried the use of sensational media reports to attack public office holders, instead of showcasing policies of government and settting agenda for discourse, encouraged practising journalists in the state to always verify facts before publishing stories.
While informing members of the NUJ that he is open to constructive criticisms, Igbuya said: “Journalists should not disseminate information that are based on heresay and gossip only. They should ensure that stories are properly verified to balance their reports.” He however warned that “I will not tolerate anybody who wants to drag my name in the mud.”
He therefore advised the leadership of the NUJ to devise means of ensuring that journalists abide by its professional ethics and rid the profession of quacks and also ensure that disciplinary actions are metted out to erring members.
The state Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Norbert Chiazor who presented the award described Igbuya as a very media friendly person with exemplary leadership qualities which he has exhibited as Speaker of the House of Assembly and other political circles.
Chiazor, who said the award was given in recognition of the Speaker’s transparent background and experience in governance, said the award is also expected to spur the Speaker to be more focussed in his iegislative duties. He emphasised that he NUJ award is not for sale and strictly given out on merit to deserving individuals.
Comrade Chiazor hinted that “the activities of our members is guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ethical Code of Conduct as enshined in the Union’s constitution.
He assured Igbuya that practising Journalists in Delta state are determined to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state.
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