Hold People In Government Accountable, Delta NUJ Charges Members

By Daniel Dafe

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, has said that “as overseers in the omnibus Fourth Estate of the Realm,” members of the Union “are dutifully confronted with insatiable societal expectations to watch over public governance and hold people in government accountable to their mandators.”

This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Chairman, NUJ Delta Council and Comrade Victor Sorokwu, State Secretary, NUJ Delta Council, saying: “As the media, we are belaboured to interrogate and report the causes and effects of events and developments for good or bad. “

Adding: “It is expected that as the fourth operational wing of government, especially in a democracy, definite and deliberate fiscal provision should be infused into the sector to insulate its service delivery from emasculation,” just as Delta NUJ averred that the media did well in 2023 as much as available resources could afford.

The statement continued: “For us in Delta NUJ, it was a turning point for the council – a year that altered the prevailing narrative; a year that enthroned a new chapter, which promises to uplift the professional pride and dignity of our members.

“Saddled on a five-pronged agenda, couched in the acronym of POWER (Professionalism, Openness, Welfare, Engagement, Resourcefulness), our administration hopes to engage and synergise with all relevant stakeholders in all divides to deliver on our campaign promise.”

According to the statement, in 2024, the body will be engaging the tiers of government, corporate bodies and individuals to support Delta NUJ’s plans to have members participate in overseas and local professional training and capacity building programmes.

ALSO READ: City Child Academy Begins 20hrs Of Praise, As School Clocks 20

“The intent is to reinvent the age-long passion and penchant of the journalist to be on top of his game, especially now that social media intruders and impersonators have flooded the profession and viciously striving to takeover our jobs,” the statement added.

Delta NUJ recalled how the Nigeria Army gave tacit credence to these professional usurpers by organising a forum for “Social Media Influencers”, without the involvement of the authorising professional body, the NUJ.

“The leadership of NUJ Delta Council is also poised to provide a conducive work environment at the secretariat on Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba.

“Hopefully, the ICT Centre and other businesses within the secretariat would be activated as we seek support to step down the 33KVA,” the statement added.

Furthermore, the union said: “This 2024, it is our plan to embark on some structural projects within the secretariat premises that would generate revenue to the union as we strive towards financial sustenance.”