44 Journalists Were Killed In 2021-NUJ President Confides

El-Yakub Ibraheem

The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo has confided that no fewer than 44 Journalists in Nigeria were killed in 2021,while scores are missing while others are under serious threat

 

He gave the revelation during the first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and National Security Summit with a theme “National Interest Amidst Insecurity-The Role of The Media organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ),held at Luxury Hotel,Lafia.

 

He described Journalists as the oxygen of democracy, saying the country would be a better place for all if media practitioners are given the chance to practice without any encumbrances.

 

The President expressed discontentment over the way and manner Journalists are maimed, brutalized while some kidnapped or killed,he disclosed that in 2020 no fewer 200 media practitioners were killed world over.

 

NUJ National President appreciate NAWOJ  for organizing a touching summit, he said banditry is a mantra leading to the shoot of communication in  states of the Federation.

 

Saying the primary responsibility of a responsible Government is securing the lives and properties of the people, adding that the must affected in the insecurity in the country are women.

 

Comrade Chris Isiguzo called on the Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to call the sector Commandant of Nasarawa state to order for keeping the National President of NAWOJ,Ladi Bala for four hours on the highway. He said the impunity exhibit on Journalists must stop especially in a democratic era.

 

He urged Journalists to accord topmost priority to national interest by portraying the country in a positive way.

 

Ladi Bala,The National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in her welcome address thanked the governor of the State for creating an enabling environment for all.

 

She expressed worried over the rising spate of banditry and kidnapping, stating that insecurity has disrupted the diversification of agriculture.

 

“The diversification of agriculture is a mirage due to the increasing cases of kidnapping”.

 

Bala opined that peace and harmony is been eroded while the economy is dwindling, adding that the cumulative catastrophe of the nation is been felt by all.

 

She called for concerted effort by the government and security, while urging media practitioners to be patriotic and committed in tackling the menace, as she sued for new conversation by media practitioners to consider the nation first.

 

The governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule applauded NAWOJ for the choice of the State, represented by the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa state,Barrister Abdullahi Ubandoma expressed optimism over the summit.

 

He stated this while declaring the occasion open, Engineer Abdullahi Sule buttressed that security remain everybody’s business.

 

He attributed the choice of the state to the peaceful atmosphere created by the. governor, he buttressed that the achievements recorded was due to the Community policing temple of the state government.

 

Ubandoma disclosed that the state GDP has risen, placing the State amongst the top three in the country.

 

He also pleaded  with Journalists to indulge in good reportage that would unite the country not a story that would tear the country apart.