Imo: Journalists protest over poor welfare, harassment

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...vows to resist oppresssion

The members of the Nigerian union of Journalist (NUJ),Imo state recently in their numbers at the Press centre,Owerri matched in protest over the unfair treatment meted out to her members.

The protest in Owerri was sequel to a growing discontent by members of the profession regarding poor working conditions, and the continued intimidation, harassment, maiming and often incarceration or death of the Journalists in line of duty.Some of the inscriptions on their placcards read"Enough is Enough", "Stop the harrassment of Journalists". 

Speaking on the development,Mr Francis Ebenugwo, acting Chairman,NUJ,Imo state Chapter decried the incident with a call on the employers to always factor-in welfare of members towards achieving effectiveness in service delivery. He went on charging the authorities to stop forthwith acts of oppression and intimidation realising that the men of this noble profession owe the society to report only but truth.

Ebenugwo frowned at effort by some to muscle the members of NUJ out of their duty and promised the readiness of the chapter to boycott activities of bodies who continued with the inhuman act.

Also, the former Chairman of NUJ,Imo State, Mr Fidel Onyeneke called on the federal government to ensure greater implementation of the Freedom of Information Act(FOI) as it works to check the impunity of persons in authority. He warned the security agents to desist from further harassment of journalists.

Moreso, Mr Innocent Igwe, an Ex Chairman of the Chapter urged media practitioners to always hold the government at various levels accountable in line with democratic culture. He reminded Journalists to always report objectively.

You may recall the release of a Journalist from detention after two long years of incarceration and months of unpaid salaries owed mediamen across the nation.