May Day: NUJ salutes media professionals, demands for release of journalist in A/Ibom

The Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday felicitated  workers especially media workers on the celebration of May Day.

In a statement issued by Chris Isiguzo, the National President of the union, the NUJ expressed appreciation to journalists for their doggedness, professionalism and dedication.

The statement reads: “The day is set aside all over the world, Nigeria inclusive, to celebrate and appreciate workers for their tenacity and contributions to the development of economies.

“This year’s celebration is low keyed due to the rampaging coronavirus pandemic.

“The NUJ specially appreciates Nigerian journalists for their doggedness, professionalism, diligence and dedication to their professional calling despite the peculiar occupational hazards they face in the line of duty.

“The union therefore calls on media workers as they go about their duties covering the coronavirus issues, to be careful and take all precautionary measures as prescribed by WHO and the NCDC.

“We also use this occasion to once again call on governments at all levels to come to the aid of the Media workers who work round the clock in information dissemination.

“Media workers are also on the frontline in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, hence the need for comprehensive insurance, palliatives, safety kits and very importantly hazard allowance.

“The union also calls for the unconditional release of Kufre Carter, sports presenter with XL 106.9 FM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Carter who was reportedly detained by the DSS over a leaked telephone conversation he had with a medical doctor on the method deployed by the Akwa Ibom state government in handling the spread of coronavirus in the state had been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Uyo presided over by Magistrate Winifred M. Umohandy on a three-count charge bordering on defamation of character.

“NUJ also uses the opportunity of this celebration to request debtor media companies to do the needful by clearing several months arrears of salaries owed their workers.

“Once again, NUJ urges  its members not to be dissuaded by these challenges  but continue to keep hope alive.”

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Buy and read digital replicas of your TRIBUNE titles by subscribing through E-VENDING

Federal Government Offices To Open Three Times Weekly, Close At 2.00 Pm, Says Head Of Service
In line with the policy on gradual easing of restrictions to revive the economy and strengthen measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Federal Government offices are to reopen three times a week from next Monday. The Head of Service (HOS), Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, who gave the directive, said the days are… Read full story

Despite N200bn Gas Intervention, Power Generation Plunges To 1,601MW
Barely few weeks after the Federal Government approved N200 billion payment for improved gas supply to the electricity Generation Companies (GenCos) to boost power supply to Nigerians, power generation, on Wednesday, plunged to 1,601MWs… Read full story

COVID-19: States Playing Politics With Numbers So As To Get Grants, Northern Elders Say
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has said states are playing politics with numbers of people that tested positive in order to get more grants from the Federal Government and foreign donors. In a statement issued and signed by the Convener of the Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, on Thursday… Read full story

INEC May Resume Next Week
On plans to resume, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said a decision might be taken next Thursday on the plan for the resumption of its staff in line with advisory and protocols outlined by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on combating COVID-19 on the gradual easing of lockdown from next Monday… Read full story