Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, says its attention has been drawn to a statement on social media, by one Chris Omodu, Media Officer to Ikwerre Local Government Chairman, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike, that criminals use the platform of the NUJ to sabotage government’s efforts at fighting insecurity.
The NUJ in a statement by its Secretary, Ike Wigodo, on Monday, took exception to the statement, describing it as reckless, frivolous, unverifiable and totally untrue, adding that the statement negates what the Union represents.
“The Rivers State Council of NUJ wishes to state unequivocally that it has no criminals in its fold and would never sabotage government’s efforts in the area of security or in any other areas of human and capital development.
“NUJ is made up of distinguished media practitioners whose membership is drawn from various accredited chapels and is guided by rules. It, therefore, harbours no criminals in its fold as the press statement by Mr Omodu ignorantly and erroneously portrayed.
“The Rivers State Council of NUJ also wishes to inform the author of the reckless statement that it runs no newspaper, radio or TV stations of its own in the State and therefore cannot take responsibility for what goes on in various media outlets, let alone on social media.
“It is very unfortunate that a media officer as Mr Omodu claims to be, could not tell the difference between the NUJ and media organizations, or between NUJ platform and the social media.
“The high level of ignorance and unprofessionalism displayed by Mr Omodu has further vindicated the NUJ’s all-time admonition to public office holders to always appoint only qualified professional media practitioners as their media officers”, the NUJ said.
The NUJ, therefore, warned Mr Omodu and his sponsors not to drag the Union into any imbroglio concerning a local government council chairman or any other person, in that matter.
The statement reiterated that the NUJ is a recognized union of responsible, cultured and well-behaved media practitioners and would never involve or encourage its members to engage in any acts inimical to the fight against insecurity.
The group frowned on Mr Omodu’s allegations and demanded an unreserved apology from the Ikwerre Local Government Council.
