An International Non-Governmental Organization, One Love Foundation, has appluaded the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, in living up to its constitutional role as Watchdog of the society and holding government and Public officers accountable to the people.
The Organization made the assertion when its high powered delegation visited the NUJ national secretariat in Abuja and used the opportunity to bestow a special recognition on the leadership of the Union, for its outright condemnation, harrasment and verbal attack on Daily Trust Journalist in Akwa Ibom. The NGO stated that the swift reaction of the NUJ to the Akwa Ibom incident has clearly demonstrated the NUJ frontline role and leadership qualities among the committee of Unions, as the voice of the voiceless and the conscience of the Masses.
Presenting a Plaque of special recognition to the NUJ President, the leader of the delegation of One Love Foundation, Comrade Sunny Idika on behalf of the International President of the NGO, Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor expressed satisfaction in the activities of the Union for living up to its mandate, championing the course of public outcry against impunity, undue intimidation, assaults and abuse of fundamental human rights; while congratulating NUJ President Comrade Chris Isiguzo for carving a nitch for himself in his efforts to reposition the Union within a short period in office, appealing to the NUJ President not to relent in his efforts.
In his response, the NUJ President Comrad Isiguzo, thanked members of the One Love Foundation NGO, for their visit and special recognition, saying that, however, the role of holding government and public officers accountable is one of the Primary roles of the NUJ, as the voice of the voiceless and the conscience of the people. Comrade Isiguzo stated that the media is committed to the protection of its members and the masses who may not have the voice to defend themselves.
The NUJ President lamented as unfortunate the Akwa Ibom incident, appealing to all concerned to shield their swords, since several unreserved public apologies have been made by the principal actor. Comrade Isiguzo warned public officers, private individuals and politicians to thread with caution in their dealings with Journalists media appearances in their own interests, so as to avoid such unpalatable consequences.
The NUJ President decried various unpopular anti-people policies flying all over the sectors of the economy by the present government with its attending negative effects on the common man, describing as unacceptable the abiteral increment of prices of essential commodities, warning that such actions coming at this crucial time of Covid 19 can be described as *”Killing the Dead”*
The NUJ President bemoans the current silence, deaf and dumb attitude of civil societies and docile postures of Non-governmental organizations as regrettable, he charge all Nigerians to rise up to the occassion and do the needful so as to bring those championing all the draconian policies back to their senses.
Comrade Isiguzo therefore dedicate the Award to suffering Nigerians and the dogged Nigerian Journalists who despict the unpalatable excruciating working conditions have continued to live up to their mandates.
