Soludo committed to press freedom in Anambra- CPS tells NUJ

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Mr. Christian Aburime, has dismissed a publication made by the state chapter of the Nigeia Union of Journalists (NUJ), alleging the governor of being wicked and unfriendly to Journalists practicing in the state.

Speaking to Journalists in Awka, on Monday, Mr. Aburime, insisted that governor Soludo, has pledged his commitment to press freedom in the state.

He said the governor was committed to sustaining the existing cordial relationship with the media in Anambra State

He said his promise was based on the sanctity and constitutional responsibility of media practitioners in Anambra.

According to the CPS, Soludo’’s policies are subjected to media scrutiny in line with his administration’s philosophy of transparency and accountability in governance.

“NUJ should not be confrontational. Anambra Government are not at war with the NUJ. Soludo is not wicked and reckless as be portray by the state chapter of NUJ. NUJ and Journalists as a whole has been part of this Government to make Anambra a livable and prosperous State in Nigeria.

“Soludo have promised that journalists would not suffer any form of intimidation in their duties under his administration.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the press chat was in reaction to the NUJ statement describing the administration of the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as “wicked and without human face towards Journalists.

The Union statement was contained in its July, 2023 State Congress communique signed by its state Chairman, and secretary, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu(PhD) Aloysius Ofodile(KSJI), respectively.

The union said its accusation is coming on the heels of plans by the Governor Soludo-led government to terminate the appointments of journalists working with the longest thriving state owned newspaper outfit in the country, National Light Newspaper, and sacking all the journalists in the establishment.

The union condemned what it called ill-treatment to journalists by Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in the state.

In the communique, the NUJ said it was because of Soludo’s hate for the journalists that made the body to take what it( NUJ) called reckless decision against the workers of the state-owned Newspaper, the National Light.

The communique read in part,”Congress frowned at the reckless manner in which National Light Newspapers’ issue is being handled and called on the staff to be absorbed in the Ministry of Information as anything contrary to welfare of workers shall boomerang.

“Congress frowned at the ill treatment to journalists by Prof Soludo-led administration which led to his shutting down National Light Newspapers without any reason made public, thus portraying his government as wicked and without human face.

“Congress could not understand why Soludo’s government was busy employing other workers but cannot allow less than 100 workers at National Light be, even if he doesn’t want to hire more workers or turn around the organization.

Reacting further on the development, the CPS, said it is not true, Mr Governor is a lover of Journalists, and I can tell you that.

“The portrayals we are getting from the NUJ about who Mr Governor is, is not true.

“Even the National Light Newspaper issue, I can tell you that it is being handled by the concerned agencies and ministries, and there is nothing to fear about.

“It is not true for NUJ to start describing Soludo as being inhuman or being wicked. We have the best interest of the journalists at heart, and the governor is working to hold a meeting with journalists and also fashion out the way forward.”

Aburime commended journalists in the state for their solidarity so far, insisting that in the coming weeks, Soludo would unfold his agenda for the media.