Seasoned members of the Nigeria Union of Journalism, NUJ Ebonyi State Council have condemned in its entirety what they described as alarming quackery taking over the journalism profession in the state.
The NUJ members under the Chairmanship of Samson Nwafor, however, vowed to end quackery in the journalism profession in Ebonyi State.
This was contained in a communique raised and signed by Ebonyi State Secretary of the NUJ, Nnamdi Akpa on Thursday after the Council’s congress in Dr Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki.
According to the communique drafted by the committee members including Oswald Agwu, Ndubuisi Nwogha and Jane Obinna, the Congress deliberated on the issue of quackery in the profession and lamented its alarming increase in the State.
While commending members for living up to their professional calling, the body charged them to sustain the tempo as the new year began.
“It therefore directs Chapels to do a comprehensive profiling of their qualified members and submit the same to the Council within two weeks from the date of the Congress.
“Congress also directs members who wish to renew their identity cards to submit their particulars, and thereafter make payment to the Council’s Account within two weeks from the date of the Congress.
“Congress further directs the leadership of Chapels whose tenures have expired to immediately notify the Council in writing for necessary action. Failure to do so will attract sanctions to the affected Chapels.
“Congress deliberated on members of some chapels who enjoy benefits from NUJ while they remit check-off dues to other bodies. Congress frowns at that and directs such chapels, including EBBC Radio and TV, Patriot Newspaper and Information Chapels; NTA and Radio Nigeria, among others, to immediately convene Chapel meetings and resolve the issue of non-remittance of Check-off dues to the Council before the next Congress,” the communique further read.
NUJ in the communique had earlier congratulated the state governor, Francis Nwifuru over his victory at the Supreme Court.
The Council appreciated the governor for appointing its immediate past chairman, Anthony Nwifuru as the new Director General of Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation, EBBC.
The union congratulated the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo on his nomination as one of the 79 distinguished Nigerians to be honoured by the Government and people of Kogi State, describing his nomination for this prestigious award as well-deserved.
It equally congratulated the new Acting General Manager of Ebonyi State Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, publishers of Nigerian Patriot Newspapers, Mr Enwo Nnachi, who was present at the Congress, and wished him well in his new position.
The NUJ members thus commended the leadership of the Council led by Comrade Samson Nwafor, for their leadership ingenuity in running the affairs of the Council.