NUJ Charges Government To Fight Insecurity in Nigeria

 

By Charles Nwabardi 

 

The Nigeria Union Of Journalists has called on Nigerian governments to brace up and fight insecurity as it reminded them that it is their primary responsibility to protect lives and properties of citizens.

 

The call was contained in a Communique issued at the end  of the 3rd NUJ Media Conference with the Theme “The Media, Insecurity and National Unity” held between June 6 to 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital.

 

The call came on the heels of wanton destruction of lives, properties with palpable fear in all parts of Nigeria as a result of the nefarious activities of gunmen, banditry including terrorism.

 

The Communique also noted that the insecurity situation seemed like governments have been overwhelmed as it called for Community mobilization against the continuous loss of  lives and properties by enemies of Nigeria.

 

The newsmen noted that it would be disastrous for citizens to lose confidence in governments due to inability to protect them and therefore urged media practitioners to strengthen  their primary functions of 

Informing, Educating and Entertaining as these would help them to deliver on their responsibility as society’s watchdog.

 

The Union  further called on Governments to ensure proper press freedom as it also reminded practicing journalists of the need for balance reporting in achieving peace and mediation between contending factors.

 

The Union resolved that it would set up a Special Press Freedom Monitoring and Defense Committee to ensure good implementation.

 

NUJ at the Conference instituted “NUJ HALL OF FAME” as the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike was made the first inductee.

 

Civil Societies Organizations and other dignitaries attended the Conference.