Ben Ezechime Enugu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, has condemned the return of insecurity in parts of the state.
The council made the condemnation in a communique at the end of its June 2023 Congress in Enugu.
In the communique signed by the Secretary of Council, Mrs Ifeoma Amuta, the council said it was worrisome that the state has returned to the dark days of insecurity.
The council frowned at the happenings along the Opi-Nsukka Road where kidnappers have been terrorising motorists and commuters and called on relevant security agencies to live up to their responsibilities.
Congress further decried situations where criminals carry out their nefarious activities in broad daylight in parts of Enugu metropolis against innocent and unsuspecting members of the public including journalists.
“We, therefore, call on the state government and relevant security agencies to redouble their efforts in ensuring the security of lives and property of citizens,” congress said.
The congress also frowned at the spate of shutting out members (journalists) at major events in the state by agents of the state government.
Congress noted that every journalist in the state was qualified to cover any public event or function anywhere and anytime in the state especially when representing his/her medium.
“Accordingly, no Journalist practising in the state should under any circumstance, be barred from carrying out his or her professional duty,” congress resolved.
Also, congress condemned the harassment of its members covering public events by the police and called on the authorities of the Police Command in the state to properly educate her personnel on the workings of journalists, which remain for the betterment of the society.
The congress mandated members of her executives to interface with the Commissioner of Police and the state Police Management Team to bring about a cordial working relationship between Journalists and personnel of the state command.
