LGA
Following the unconcerned attitude of Nkomoro community to the attack of Journalists who went cover an assignment in the community by their indigenes,the Ebonyi state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists has directed Members of NUJ to henceforth desist from covering events in Ezza North LGA.
The in a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting said the position will change only when relevant authorities and Stakeholders of the Council Area prevail on the people of Nkomoro Community or the perpetrators of this dastardly act to adequately compensate the victims for their losses during the attack and tender unreserved written apology to them.
The communique warned members against flouting the order, pointing out that sanction awaits any member that acts otherwise.
The Congress particularly took note of the role said to have been played in the dastardly act by one Oscar Nwafor and the members of his group, which include but not limited to the following: Samuel Nnoko, Livinus Eze, Obiora Ezaka, Cletus Igwe and Joseph Oganyi, and therefore, calls on the Ebonyi State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command to immediately arrest and prosecute them as well as other people who are directly or indirect involved in the wanton attack and destruction of property of innocent Journalists whose only offence was doing their constitutional duties.
It once again condemned in strongest term the attack on three members of the Union, namely: Mr Inya Uchenna of The Sun newspaper, Dr. Chinelo Okoro and Sir Godwin Oguta, both of FRCN, Unity FM, Abakaliki, at Nkomoro Community in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, by suspected hoodlums during a coronation event in the area. Congress describes the attack as not just crude and barbaric, but a clear attempt to intimidate, subdue and force Journalists into self-censorship.
The Congress while congratulating Governor Francis Nwifuru for a successful and impactful one year in office appealed to the Governor to fulfil his promise to promise to renovate the Ebonyi State NUJ Secretariat that’s currently in a deplorable condition. Congress strongly believes that the renovation of the secretariat will enhance the operations of Journalists in the State.
It further commended the Member representing Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkemkama Kama for donating a borehole to Ebonyi State Council of NUJ; and urged other public spirited individuals to emulate the federal Lawmaker by assisting the Union on other areas of need to enable Journalists in the State function optimally.
