The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Taraba has accused the state government of deliberate exclusion of its members from key state events.
At an emergency congress held Tuesday in Jalingo, the Chapel expressed strong disapproval of the government’s failure to accredit its members for coverage of the upcoming Taraba State Investment Summit, TARAVEST, and the scheduled visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a communique issued after the meeting, the Chapel described the action as a calculated attempt to suppress press freedom and sideline professional journalists, labeling it a “blatant disregard for media transparency and democratic engagement.”;;
As a direct response, the union unanimously resolved to boycott all Taraba State government activities with immediate effect until further notice.
The Congress also passed a vote of no confidence in the Commissioner of Information, Zainab Usman Jalingo, accusing her of failing to protect journalists’ interests and playing a key role in their exclusion from important state functions.
The decision, as explained by the members, was partly influenced by a controversial statement credited to the commissioner concerning journalist accreditation for a recent government-organized road walk an event from which Chapel members were excluded.
Despite the fallout, the union reaffirmed its commitment to its professional responsibilities and to the people of the state.
“We will continue to discharge our duties as the watchdog of society,”;; the Chapel stated. “We remain committed to reporting issues that affect the people and holding the government accountable, regardless of exclusion or intimidation,”;; the Congress stated.
