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By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council has warned all the award recipients, patrons and patroness of the professional body to continue impacting positively on the society or risk exposure of any wrongdoing.
The Union in a communique issued at the end of her 2023 August Congress signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu and the Secretary, Comrade Aloysius Ofodile, also urged the patrons to always identify with the union while alive with a view to impacting positively on journalists.
"The Congress sounded a wake up call for all Patrons of the NUJ to strongly identify with the union and play their advisory roles while alive, and not for the families to only remember they are NUJ Patrons only at death. He reminded them that Patrons are responsible for guiding the union into a better union in all ramifications.
"The Congress also encouraged all those who were and would still be recipients of NUJ Awards at any level to be above board in their dealings in the society because NUJ members practicing journalism in all sincerity won't spare them simply because they are friends, Patrons or award recipients of the Union.
"The Congress encouraged those owing the union pledges and donations to redeem them, stressing that it's better not to make public donation rather than make and could not redeem. The Congress encouraged journalists to stand by the society at all times in defense of truth, justice and equity for an egalitarian society, particularly the weak and downtrodden who could not afford the media to defend them," it added.
The Congress also raised alarm on the dilapidated state of Basden Memorial Special School in Isulo, Orumba North L.G.A. and called on government and public-spirited individuals to assist the school bounce back.
"Congress made a passionate appeal to Anambra governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo and other well-meaning individuals to support special schools in the state, particularly the Basden Memorial Special School, Isulo. Congress also commended the state government's efforts in enhancing the aesthetics of the state by demolishing shanties and similar structures, but, however, appealed government to carry out these demolitions with a human face by ensuring that the goods and property of the occupants are not destroyed recklessly in the process. Congress suggested that providing an alternative for the displaced traders may not be out of place.
"Congress expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their efforts in addressing security challenges in the state, calling on the authorities to deploy non-uniformed officers to monitor the activities of tricycle "keke" riders to curb criminal activities associated with them and others. Congress frowned at the resurgence of cult-related killings in Awka capital city of Anambra state and called on the CP and DSS state Director to rise to the occasion.
"Congress highlighted the primary duties of journalists in the state as members of the "Fourth Estate of the Realm" in advocating for the downtrodden in society for a better society. The role of journalists as moral barometers and conscience of the society should never be compromised or traded, not minding whose ox is gored. The watchdog roles must go unhindered. "