*Delta State Government should synergize with security agencies to halt Fulani herdsmen menace.
*Condemns security agents’ molestation of NUJ members performing legitimate duties.
*Commends Delta Government for re-awarding failed projects in Asaba capital territory.
*Appreciates Government’s linking of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba to 330 KVA Line to end epileptic broadcast.
*Implores Government to explain current situation in Delta Line Transport Company since it was concessioned to God Is Good Motors.
*Urges Journalists to adhere strictly to professional ethics.
*Urges NUJ members to show concern for wellbeing of colleagues.
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), DELTA STATE COUNCIL, HELD AT THE SECRETARIAT OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC), NTA ROAD, ASABA ON THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018
Congress deliberated exhaustively on sundry issues ranging from welfare of Journalists in the State to issues of urgent state and national importance. The Congress which witnessed an impressive presence of members from across the state with all the 16 chapels well represented, was attended by the Vice President, Zone F (South-South), Comrade Edward Ogude and a former Chairman of the Council, Comrade Osita Biose. At the end of the Congress, the following resolutions were reached.
1. The Delta State Council of the NUJ calls on the Delta State Government to synergize with relevant security agencies in the State to urgently address the menace of alleged killings by Fulani Herdsmen in communities across the State to forestall the situation from degenerating to full blown crisis.
2. The Congress condemned the attitude of some security agents who wilfully molest members of the NUJ in the course of performing their legitimate duty. It explains that just as the security agents are Constitutionally empowered to do their job that is how Journalists are also backed to carry out their assigned roles, noting rather that both parties should see themselves as partners in progress.
3. The Congress commended the Delta State Government for taking the bold step in re-awarding failed projects at the Asaba International Airport and the deplorable Maryam Babangida Way (Road) in Asaba to a competent contracting firm, Setraco and also thanked the State Government for its effort at finding lasting solution to the perennial flood in Asaba through the construction of deep drains and giving priority ntion to construction/ rehabilitation of major roads in Asaba capital territory.
4. Congress equally appreciated the Delta State Government for linking Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba to the 330 KVA Line which has made public electricity supply to the outfit stable and invariably put an end to epileptic broadcast of programmes to the viewing and listening public.
5. Congress however implores the Delta State Government to explain the current situation of Delta Line Transport Company since it was concessioned to God Is Good Motors with a view to highlighting how much value has been added to the company.
6. Congress expressed utmost concern at the spate of alleged misconduct of Journalists, particular those operating within platforms in the social media and urged members to adhere strictly to the ethics of the journalism profession by ensuring that their reportage are factual, fair, objective and balance. It warned Journalists to desist from blackmail and publication of stories capable of destroying the hard earned reputation of members of the public, warning that member found wanting would be adequately disciplined even as it noted that they are liable to be prosecuted in court of law.
7. Finally, Congress urged members to at all times demonstrate in deed concern for the wellbeing of their colleagues, particularly those with health challenge.
Communiqué Drafting Committee:
Kola Eke- Chairman
Ejime Udueme- Secretary
Chris Misindi- Member
Signed:
Michael Ikeogwu (State Chairman)
Churchill Oyowe (Secretary)
