Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Nigeria Union of Journalists, Gombe Correspondents’ chapel on Thursday, resolved to sheath it sword over an earlier decision by the group to boycott government house activities.
Recall that, the Correspondents’ Chapel members had since boycotted Government House activities following the difficulty the group experienced in gaining access to cover the Independence Day Media Parley, marking Gombe at 24.
According to a press statement, which was signed by the Secretary Williams Attah and the chairperson Hajara Leman, the group said it took the decision following the governor’s mediation.
The statement partly states, “Following the intervention of the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, over the imbroglio that occurred on 01/10/2020 between the Gombe Correspondents’ Chapel of NUJ and the CSO of the Gombe State Government House, SP Sani Adamu Bajoga, the Chapel members have, in respect of the need to honour the humility and good sense of leadership exhibited by His Excellency, decided to suspend our earlier resolve to boycott all activities at the Government House.
“Journalists from the Gombe State Correspondents’ Chapel of NUJ wish to reiterate our firm position that we are partners in the business of the development of the state, hence, we always welcome cordiality to ensure that we, collectively with the government, bring good governance to the good people of the state and strengthen democratic systems through accurate reportage in line with our mandate as the fourth estate of the realm.
“The leadership of the correspondents’ chapel appreciates the several concerns through phone calls from good people of Gombe state especially the Gombe State Council of NUJ under Comrade Saidu Bappa Malala, our colleagues who were in solidarity with us and other stakeholders outside the state who stood by us in sympathy over the Police action against freedom of Press in the state.”
While calling on the commissioner of police to call his men to order, to forestall a reoccurrence of Independence day anniversary scenario where members were barred access to the government house.
“the leadership of the Chapel herewith very kindly appeal to the Commissioner of Police Gombe State, CP Ahmed Maikudi Shehu to call his men to order especially with regard to the incident that happened on Independence Day celebration to avoid a repeat in the interest of fairness to our commitment to serve the people,” the statement added.
