By Dauda R Pam MAIDUGURI
The President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo has appealed to federal and state governments as well as other institutions to stop the incessant clampdown on journalists while discharging their statutory duties across the country and to ensure speedy release of all the journalists in their custody.
He made the request when he led a delegation of officials of the NUJ on a courtesy call on the Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur at the Government House Maiduguri.
According to him, “Democracy cannot thrive without press freedom. NUJ will not tolerate clamp down on its members by security agencies like the detention of our colleagues in Cross River, Imo and other places. I want to appeal to the Federal and state governments to release all journalists in their detention “ and commended Borno State Government for its developmental strides despite the insurgency, saying, ” We appreciate the Borno State government for massive investment on education through Mega schools, state University, as well as road network and housing reconstruction.”
” There is no better investment than investing in education and the future of the state. Borno is one of the best states in Nigeria in terms of investing in education”, Chris said.
He said, “I am in Borno to visit my members. I have been moving from council to council and chapel to chapel. I commend the working journalists in the state for good reportage and professionalism.”.
Responding, the Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, said ,” the Borno state government has been enjoying a good working relationship with journalists in the state, stressing that, despite the insurgency, journalists in Borno State are doing their job professionally and with a high sense of responsibility. We are proud of them. If I am to score them, I will give them a higher grade and that is why the state government has been relating and supporting the media in the state”, Kadafur said.
He also called on the media to sensitize the general public on the counterinsurgency fight and rebuilding process of the government and the need for the youths to key into the state government youths empowerment and job creation policies.
Chapels visited by the NUJ President, included the University of Maiduguri, Correspondents’, FRCNPeace FM station, BRTV and NTA among others.
