Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,has rescinded its congress' earlier stance as contained in its communique issued at the end of the March edition of its monthly congress to blacklist coverage of events of appointees of the State Government, describing Governor Dapo Abiodun as media governor friendly who has been demonstrating unequal commitment to press freedom and welfare of journalists in the state
The Union in a fresh communique jointly signed by the State Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju and Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, and issued of which a copy was obtained by Edu-Biznews on Monday at the end of a meeting involving its executive committee and Stakeholders, however clarified that the said communique was not to jeopardize the image and goodwill of government or severely undermine the strong media bonding the Union has shared with it, but actually meant to remind and appeal to the governor on various promises he made, as they affect the welfare and well-being of journalists, when he visited the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre in August, 2023.
"Understanding the crucial statutory roles of the press to keep the public informed about the activities, programmes and policies of the government, and as well shining a light on important issues as they affect the society, the Union acknowledges that prompt rescission of the earlier decision remains sacrosanct, believing that it is through a press that a transparent and functioning democracy can be achieved", the union stated
"It is important to emphasize that Prince Dapo Abiodun has been a media friendly Governor, who has greatly demonstrated unequaled commitment to promoting a free press and unwavering resolve to developing journalists through various support mechanism. To this, he has shown greater zeal not to break the bond between him and the Union within the short period of time a rapprochement was achieved", the union admitted
The State NUJ attributed its earlier stance over alleged dropping of its nominees, Kazeem Oloye of TVC and James Sowole of ThisDay Newspaper for the governor's media aides positions, to communication gap between the union and government
"We therefore acknowledge that current disturbing situation may have been due to a seeming communication gap between the Union and the government, which is one of the vital points raised during one of our meetings with the Governor, as a noise within the channel distorted the feedback gotten on our requests and expectations". the union explained
The union pledging its support to the government, added that its wide consultation however revealed that the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration remains committed to its earlier promises to NUJ
"However, the Union, having done all needed consultations and interfacing, has come to realise that government has not reneged on its promises to journalists, as it has kept its words with the populace, but ambiguous feedback informed the Union's earlier decision. The Union therefore wishes to state unequivocally, that it remains grateful and appreciative of Governor's gestures to the Union under the leadership of Comrade 'Wale Olanrewaju".
"The Union, consequently assures Governor Dapo Abiodun of its renewed commitment and rejigged efforts at ensuring that the "Building Our Future Together" agenda of his administration succeeds, directing that members should be dedicated to objective reporting and keep the public well informed in advancing our democracy and ensuring transparency and fulfillment of commitments made to the people of our dear State." the concluded in the communique
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