Oyo NUJ Lauds Violence Free Guber Polls In Ekiti, Calls For Same In Osun

By Olusakin Babalola,Ibadan

The Oyo state chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalist has given a pat on the back for security agencies in the country for a violence free gubernatorial polls in Ekiti state recently and called on them to repeat the same feat in the Osun state governorship election on September 22, this year.

The Union was also impressed that no journalist was either harassed during the election contrary to the apprehension of the public.

These were contained in a Communique issued in Ibadan and signed by the trio of Messrs Oladele Ogunsola, Chairman of communique drafting committee, Ismail Ogundele and Mrs.Busola Adetunji as members as well as the state Secretary Mr.Bola Ogunlayi who counter signed it.

“The Union urged politicians in the country to play the game according to the rules and frowned at the unfortunate situation that led to the closure of Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES) Ado Ekiti.

“The Union commended the Security Agencies for their conduct during the last Ekiti State Governorship election as there were no records that NUJ members were harassed or intimidated in the course of their duties.

The Union charged the Security Agencies to ensure that the same protection is given to journalists who would face similar challenge in covering the forthcoming September 22, 2018 Governorship Election in Osun State.

“The Union noticed with dismay the orgy of violence and attacks on lives and properties of some citizens and insisted that only a proactive measure on the part of the federal government can change the narratives.

On our roads “the NUJ observed the deplorable conditions of the federal roads linking Ibadan – the State Capital to other towns/cities in Oyo State especially, the Oke-Ogun axis, and called on the Federal Government to pay serious attention to them or in the alternative mandate the state government to commence massive rehabilitation of the roads with the FG doing everything possible to reimburse them in appreciable time.

On ethical practiice,the Union agreed that henceforth, anyone parading himself/herself as journalists without any genuine and verifiable medium would not be accorded any recognition at NUJ assignments. This is to enhance professionalism and rid the Union of highly disturbing quackery.

“The state NUJ re-emphasized the ban on holding of Press Conference outside the NUJ premises and enjoined its members to learn lessons from the recent episode in Osun State where some of our colleagues were brutalized at an exclusive assignment held in a hotel.

It reiterated the need for members to take seriously the ongoing biometrics registration exercise and to also ensure payment of check off dues as the two are preconditions for membership recognition.

The Union called on employers of media practitioners to be aware of the crime in engaging casual workers. Freelancing, contracting of staff or any other form of employment that is not properly regulated is against humanity, the Journalism profession .