NUJ Tackles A-Ibom Assembly Speaker Over Media Aide

• Rejects appointment of non-journalist as CPS

BY UBON EKANEM – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, is on a collision course with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr Udeme Otong, over the appointment of a non-journalist as his media aide.

To express its displeasure, the Council has rejected the Speaker’s engagement of Mr Nkereuwem Udom as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), hinting that the action is an affront to the professionalism, knowledge, and abilities of journalists in the South-South State.

Consequently, members of the Council have been directed to immediately withdraw their services from the Assembly Press Corps, declaring that the Speaker does not deserve any goodwill.

Berating the Speaker for deliberately ignoring practicing journalists in the State, the Council expressed dismay that the development poses serious danger to the integrity of journalism and its indispensable role in society

The Council, which rose from its monthly congress at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo, the State capital on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, said the controversial appointment undermines professionalism and the expertise required to effectively discharge media duties.

Conveying their decision to down tools against the lawmakers in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Union members unanimously resolved to uphold the honour and credibility of journalism practice in Akwa Ibom State.

The communique, jointly signed by the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, and the Secretary, Comrade Dominic Akpan, reiterated the Council’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of its members at all times.

This is even as the Union assured the public of its readiness to partner with all stakeholders of goodwill to advance sustainable political and socio-economic growth and development of the State.

Other Council members that signed the document were the Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee, Comrade Iniobong Ekponta; the Committee’s Secretary, Comrade Dianime Uko; and a member, Comrade Emem Okon.