Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday directed its members to blackout all activities of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s political appointees indefinitely, citing the governor’s deliberate acts of disrespecting and undermining the Union as reasons for the decision.
This followed a communique issued at the end of the monthly Congress held at its Secretariat, Iwe Iroyin Abeokuta, the state capital in response to the recently announced appointments of Special Assistant, Special Advisers and Government Liason Officers, by Abiodun without representations from the Union, despite his repeated promise
The Congress, which was chaired by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, also deliberated on other issues concerning the Union, the State and the just released Editor of FirstNews Newspaper, an online news platform, Mr. Segun Olatunji.
The communique also reads, “The congress having relieved on the four cardinal promises made by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun during his last visit to the council secretariat, frowned at his non fulfilment and seemingly decision to ignore all emissaries to remind him of his promises particularly the appointment of two of its members as requested by him.
“The Congress however feels disappointed, disrespected and highly undermined by the decision of the governor to deliberately remove our nominees from the list of appointees.
“The congress at its monthly meeting however decide to blacklist all reporting of the Governors appointees (Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Advisers, Special Assistants and others) in the State.
“The congress however calls on the Governor to take full charge of his administration and fulfil his promises to the council which are not limited to:
“The renovation of the Olusegun Osoba hall at Iwe Iroyin Press Centre Construction of a 750-Seater Ultra-Modern Hall at the NUJ Site, Leme, the Appointment of two of our members; Comrade Kazeem Olowe and Comrade James Sowole, whose names have since been forwarded to the governor upon his request since August, 2023, allocation of Land for the purpose of the construction of the first ever Ogun NUJ Journalists Estate”.
The congress also lauded the timely intervention of President Bola Tinubu on the release of First News Editor, Segun Olatunji who was recently abducted by the Nigeria military.
“The congress also discussed the safety of its members with special spotlight on the recent abduction and release of The First News editor, Segun Olatunji by the Nigeria Military.
“The Congress however lauded the timely intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, Nigeria Union of Journalists President, Chris Isiguzo, International Press Institute, Nigeria Guild of Editors and other stakeholders who facilitated Olatunji’s release.
“The congress is also aware of Segun Olatunji’s ordeals in the custody of the military, his claims and pains are currently been x-rayed as our position on this attempt to silence the media will be made known.”
