The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ebonyi State Council has reaffirmed the safety and freedom of the press in the state, commending Governor Francis Nwifuru for creating an enabling environment.
This statement comes in response to claims that the suspension of Legacy FM's Acting General Manager, Mr. Godfrey Chikwere, posed a threat to press freedom.
In a Press release titled "Ebonyi Remains The Safest State For Journalists In Nigeria," the NUJ Ebonyi State Council Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor, described such assertions as false and misleading.
The council affirmed that:
“That journalists working in Ebonyi State are enjoying the best of press freedom in the country.
“That the Council makes bold to state that the Ebonyi State government under Rt Hon. Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru respects the independence of the press and does not interfere in the daily constitutional duties of journalists working in the state".
“That no journalist, to the best of our knowledge, has ever been attacked, molested, harassed or threatened in the line of duty in Ebonyi State by the government or its agents under the current administration"
“That the Council categorically affirm that members of NUJ in Ebonyi State and the Government maintain high cordial relations with mutual respect for each other’s constitutional duties".
“That the suspension of the acting general manager of Legacy FM, Mr Odoh Godfrey Chikwere, by his employer does not in any way constitute a threat to press freedom in Ebonyi State".
“That the Council wishes to caution media practitioners to always play by the rules and never allow personal sentiments to undermine the ethical code of journalism practice".
“That the Council warns those meddlesome interlopers making imaginary claims of threats to press freedom in Ebonyi State to desist forthwith from meddling into the affairs of journalists in the state".
“That the Council also alerts the public to be wary of some individuals who go about claiming to be journalists while they are not, with the mischievous intent to deceive the unsuspecting members of the public. It must be noted that there are requirements one must meet to be a journalist, and anyone claiming to be one without meeting the requirements is fake and should be treated as such.” It stated.
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