Delta state governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has tasked the National body of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to do intensive house cleansing and determine who is qualified to be a journalist.
Dr. Uduaghan who threw the challenge while declaring open Delta State NUJ press week in Asaba enjoined the national body to seriously sensitize the profession and make it more responsible.
He regretted that quacks dot everywhere and embarrass the system explaining that it was about time the national body took severe action to remedy the situation.
Recalling situations where journalists behaved like touts, the governor lamented the ugly trend and urged the NUJ to save the situation so that the society would take the profession seriously.
His words “who is a journalist? NUJ should provide the answer because so many people parade themselves as journalist and this calls for house cleansing. Sanitise the profession to enable us know who a journalist is”.
Dr. Uduaghan who also charged journalists to continue to be the watch dog of the society also reminded them of the popular philosophical saying that the pen was mightier than the sword.
He cautioned them to be socially responsible and avoid sensationalism especially as it not only portends grave danger but could affect the credibility of the profession.
The governor recalled the Warri crisis and how two news papers heated polity and negatively increased blood shed and aggravated hostilities.
Emphasizing the importance of development journalism. Dr. Uduaghan said “Be objective in your report. Balance your reports and promote peace and unity instead of creating insecurity and strife”.
He described the theme of the press week “The media and security challenges in a Democracy “ as apt and called for constant communication between security operatives and the media.
The governor who said constant communication would check speculative reporting also stressed the need for understanding, rapport and goodwill to reign between security operatives and the press.
Emphasizing further Dr. Uduaghan said “Communication is very important between the press and security. It erases suspicion, sensational and speculative reporting. It also guarantees mutual trust and checks rumour.”
The Chairman of the occasion and the Asagba of Asaba Obi Prof. Chike Edozien called on the press to continue to educate, inform and entertain the society responsibly.
Prof. Edozien who called for a minute silence over the death of the Ikenmba of Nnewi Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu described the late war lord as a stake holder in the media industry while alive.
The royal father who also eluogised the late Alex Ibru disclosed that the Ikemba of Nnewi was partly a Deltan as his mother was from Aboh in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Information Barrister Chike Ogeah commended the governor for the supportive role he had continued to play for NUJ in the state.
Barrister Ogeah described the governor as a key player in the media industry and one who has accelerated infrastructural development and elevated social services in the state.
The Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council Mr. Norbert Chaizor appealed to the governor to help the Union to build a befitting permanent Secretariat in Asaba.
Mr. Chiazor also appealed to the governor to provide a car and a bus to the union to enable it have means of movement.
He promised that the body and state government would continue to enjoy robust relationship through constructive engagement.
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