The National Secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists( NUJ) in Abuja has expressed reservations over the recent developments at ‘The Sun Newspapers’ in Lagos State, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC)was said to have given a notice to staff of the organisation to vacate the premises and allow for a take over by the Commission.
The Union stated this in a press statement issued by its National Secretary, Comrade Shuaibu Usman Leman( Walin Shadalafia)and made available to newsmen on Monday in Minna, Niger State capital, adding that the EFCC was quoted to have said it will enforce a court judgement which allegedly ordered for the seizure of property belonging to the Publisher of the organization, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who was recently convicted of fraud.
“While we appreciate the efforts of EFCC at fighting corruption in the country, but we hasten to caution that any attempt to throw Journalists out of work for whatever reason in such a hasty manner is not good for democracy.
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“The media as pivots to good governance and democracy must be allowed to flourish unhindered.
“We, therefore, urge for restraint in this regard to allow for the appeal filed to be determined first before any decision is taken”, said the release.
The Union, said, “we are afraid that moving hurriedly to seal off The Sun Newspapers, may be misconstrued as politically motivated, stressing that this action by the Anti- Graft agency, regrettably is being taken without any consideration to the essence of preserving vibrant and virile journalism at this time when the profession is facing increasing challenges.
Accordingly, it said, “we need to preserve the jobs of the media workers in The Sun Newspapers by being circumspect and prudent in this respect”.
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