Press Week: Ebonyi Chapel Chair, Nwafor Tasks Security Agencies On Mutual Rapport

By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki Ebonyi State Correspondents' Chapel Chairman,Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Samson Nwafor has called on law enforcement agencies in the state to eschew from the harassment of Journalists who are on lawful duties.

Comrade Nwafor made the call while briefing newsmen in an event to officially open declaration of the annual press week in Abakaliki, the state capital. The chapel chairman observed that the press week celebration became imperative as the period is used to scrutinize and advance the media profession considering its role in societal development. According to him, "As you are aware, Press week is an annual ritual in journalism profession. It is a period we take stock of our operations as Journalists to know how we have faired in the year under review.

" It affords us the opportunity to underscore how our operations have impacted positively or otherwise on the society by feeling the pulse of the people and brainstorm on how to best improve and move forward, for the betterment of the society. It's also a period we invite our friends from all walks of life to dine and wine with us, encourage and advise us where necessary. "It is on the strength of this that the Correspondents' Chapel of NUJ, Ebonyi State, a body of Journalists of both Print and Electronic Media, whose head offices are outside Ebonyi State, religiously observes this important event annually. Comrade Nwafor called on law enforcement agencies in the state to see journalists as partners as they desist from the usual harassment of members of the noble profession.

"The Chapel also seizes this opportunity to call on the law enforcement agents in the State to always see journalists as friends, and desist from harassing and/or assaulting them while discharging their lawful duties. " Security agents should know that Journalists like other citizens of Nigeria deserve protection not molestation from them. "We urge that internal mechanism for discipling in NUJ be explored whenever any journalist is found wanting. He highlighted on the theme of this year's press week which is tagged,, "Time To Deepen Media Involvement In Nigeria's Democracy. and commended Ebonyi State government for the mutual relationship that ease their operation in the state.

"We wish to specifically acknowledge the robust cordial relationship that has been existing between Journalists and the Ebonyi State government led by Governor David Umahi, and therefore commend very highly, the Governor for creating the enabling environment for us to discharge our duties in the State. " I want to assure the government and the good people of Ebonyi State, that Correspondents' Chapel of NUJ, Ebonyi State, under my leadership would continue to be partners in the growth and development of Ebonyi State, through objective reportage. He, however, applauded members for their objective reportage, even as, he tasked them to adhere strictly to the professional ethics while discharging their duties. "The Chapel Leadership after a critical review of the performances of members, applauded them for being good ambassadors and called on them to continue to adhere strictly to the ethics of Journalism profession in the discharge of their lawful duties, especially as the 2023 general election is around the corner. " Correspondents should shun fake news and ensure they crosscheck facts always, bearing in mind the critical role we play in the society. Nwafor further emphasized on the need for political actors in the state to play by the rules in the upcoming general election as they shun any act capable of jeopardizing the relative peace in the state. He, also, warned against political thurggery and charged Ebonyians to obtain their permanent voter card to enable them elect credible candidates that would represent them in the next political dispensation. " Finally, as preparations for the 2023 General Election gather momentum, we call on the political actors in Ebonyi State to play by the rules, and shun actions that are capable of jeopardizing the relative peace existing in the state. "We also call on the youth to shun thuggery and violence, as doing so, constitute grave consequences to the future of Nigeria. He added," We further call on Ebonyians to ensure they participate fully in choosing their leaders, in the upcoming general elections, by making sure they register and obtain their voters card now that the registration is ongoing, across the State. "As the theme of this year's press week aptly captures, the time has come to deepen Media involvement in Nigeria's Democracy, if we desire to make a meaningful progress, as a nation".