RE: NUJ URGES NED NWOKO TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT

RE: NUJ URGES NED NWOKO TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT

We refer to the above and state that the publication has no imprint of the leadership of the Nigeria Unioń of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, hence no official of the council was quoted.

It would have been very surprising if it had been signed since all elected officials of the council, alongside other delegates were in far away Abeokuta, Ogun State for the 6th Triennial Delegates’ Conference of the NUJ.

The occasion where NUJ Delta was quoted to be encouraging Hon Prince Ned Nwoko, was a press briefing at the instance of Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko. It was a gathering of journalists although officials of the NUJ would have been preseņt but for the said conference.

Yes. They are entitled by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to hold opinion and express themselves freely (Please refer to Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution as amended) The individuals expressed themselves out of premodial conviction in the person of Hon Prince Ned Nwoko to serve society creditably. How Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko goes about heeding that advise is purely his concern

Now, let us set the records straight. We at the NUJ Delta Council do not see anything wrong in individuals expressing themselves and encouraging an aspirant in the person of Hon Prince Ned Nwoko to keep fighting for his dream. But our major concern is that the writer of the report should have credited the individual that made the statement as the leadership of the NUJ DELTA STATE COUNCIL did not mandate any individual or group of individuals to speak for the Union .

However, we wish to place on record that Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko remains a credible patron to NUJ DELTA STATE COUNCIL and will continue to relate with him in that capacity and would not hesitate to give him support as our patron whenever the need arises.

This is our position and we hope well meaning people will understand the tiny difference between being professional in reportage and the right of individuals to air their personal views.

Signed:
Comrade Michael Ikeogwu (Chairman, Delta State Council, NUJ)
Comrade Churchill Oyowe (Secretary, Delta State Council, NUJ)