Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has delisted the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Local Government Information Chapels from the Union across the country.
The delegates’ Conference of the NUJ in Kano, approved the first University degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or its equivalent in Mass Communication and Journalism related course as the entry qualification to practice.
The Union’s delists of an Agency and council information chapels, was disclosed over the weekend (Friday), in Maiduguri, in a Communique signed by the NUJ National Secretary, Shu’aibu Usman Leman
“These are the entry qualifications for the practice of journalism in Nigeria,” said Leman in the Communique, adding that this will enable membership to the NUJ,” he said.
The Kano delegates’ conference tagged: “Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Nigerian Journalism” directed the 37 state councils to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the approved amendments to the union’s constitution.
According to him, members at the conference also approved the membership of journalists working with online media organisations registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
He added that the online organisations must be recognised by the national secretariat of the NUJ in Abuja.
While advocating for a credible, free, fair and acceptable 2023 general elections, Leman said: “We urged Nigerians to take advantage of the electoral process in electing credible leaders.”
He said that the elected credible leaders will steer the ship of the nation for the next four years in offices.
He, therefore, challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to meet the aspirations of the electorates in the forthcoming general elections on February 25 and March 11, 2023 for the Presidential and National Assembly, and the Governorship and States’ Assembly elections respectively.
“INEC should ensure that it fulfills its mandate according to the 1999 Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act,” he said.
Delegates at the conference also commended the deployment of technology in the electoral process that will build confidence of the people in electing their leaders in the country.
Leman lamented the overheating of the polity by some politicians through various forms of attacks and use of thugs during the electioneering across the country.
He urged the presidential candidates of some leading political parties to abide by the rules of the game.
According to him, this will prevent thuggery before, during and after the general elections.
On the bio-data of members, he said: “The Conference approved the development of a website for the union.
“This will adequately capture the bio data of members on a regular basis,” noting that the exercise will identify union members for accreditation to practice journalism in any part of the country.
The union, however, frowned at the anti-union activities of some members of the NUJ, particularly the ones in the Abia State Council.
According to him, the anti-union activities are causing disaffection among members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
Leman, therefore, directed those involved to desist or be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the NUJ Constitution.
He commended the Ganduje-led administration for providing an enabling environment for holding the conference in Kano, the state capital.
“Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has also provided the dividends of democracy and good governance to the people,” he said.
