2023: Don’t be used by politicians – Gombe NUJ to members
Following the unopposed form of correspondents’ chapel election Gombe State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has inaugurated the returned executives with a call that they should not allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous politicians.
The newly sworn-in leaders include; Hajara Leman, Principal correspondent of News Agency Nigeria, Peter Uwumarogie News Agency Nigeria, Secretary; Abdullahi Idris of Voice of Nigeria (VON) treasurer and Rabilu Abubakar of Aminiya, Daily Trust as Financial Secretary.
Performing the task, Chairman of the council Saidu Malala lauded the efforts of the previous administration, stressing that the current dispensation should carve a niche for the union.
According to him, there were tendencies for politicians to use the media to push propaganda, stressing that journalists were expected to play the role of gatekeeping.
He said, “Justify the essence of your election, by jettisoning partisan politics and ensure that you are not used as tools ahead of the 2023 general elections.”
On his part, Electoral Committee Chairman Gimba Haruna revealed that NUJ’s constitution was strictly complied with in the conduct of the elections.
He said, “The newly inaugurated executives are to ensure strict adherence to the constitution of the NUJ in the conduct of their activities.”
Also, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the chapel Hajara Leman, urged members to fact check their stories in order not fall prey to politicians.
According to Leman, fact checking every piece of news would ensure that members don’t become purveyors of fake news or ‘toxic’ journalism that damages society and widen the gap of distrust between journalists and the people meant to serve.
She said, “Journalists must work to build public trust and reinforce the confidence of the people in what we offer as the bedrock of the society and the voice of development and promoters of peaceful coexistence.
“I also call for responsible journalism especially in how we relate with the politicians as the clouds of elections gather momentum; don’t allow yourself to be used to serve the political interests of unpatriotic politicians.”
