Mr. Mike Ikeogwu, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Chapter is advocating for an end to attacks on journalists in Delta State.
In a statement, Ikeogwu frowned at the constant harassments of Journalists in the course of the discharge of their duties especially in Delta State.
His call is in observance of International Day To End Impunity, celebrated every November 2 as recognized by the United Nations since 2013.
Ikeogwu, is calling on relevant authorities in the state to give Journalists and media workers unfettered opportunity to discharge the onerous task of being the watchdogs of society.
He says Journalists play a critical role in informing and influencing the public about important social issues, adding that Impunity for attack against them would have negative impacts.
According to him, one of such negative impact is limiting public awareness and constructive debates that are necessary for the overall development of the society and uplifting of humanity.
The labour leader said, “Now was the time to tell the truth and hold the leaders responsible for their inactions which have caused untold hardship to humanity.
He called for encouragement for journalists.
In his words, “journalists should be encouraged to enthrone responsive leadership and accountability in the society.”
He urged every critical stakeholder in the development of the state to see journalists as also working towards the actualisation of the Stronger Delta vision of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Administration.
Ikeogwu commiserated with the families of journalists who must have lost their lives in the course of discharging their duties worldwide, as well as media workers that had faced excruciating experiences.
In the same vein, Ikeogwu enjoined journalists to continue to embrace decorum and excellent ethical practices in information gathering and dissemination in the state and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Council, has banned all media coverage of Police activities in Delta State.
The leadership of the Union took the decision following the assault and brutality by policemen of the Ovwain Aladja Divisional Headquarters meted out on Akpokona Omafuaire, Vanguard newspaper correspondent in Warri.
According to the statement “We are sombre that the police could be insensitive to the plight of our member who is lying at the hospital yet without any care and attention from those who inflicted the injury on him.
Besides the leaders maintained that the Council is taken aback by the indifferent disposition of police in Delta State as many journalists have one story or the other to tell about their experiences in the hands of those who are supposed to protect them since the #ENDSARS Protest began.
