By Patrick Ochei
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has demanded of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to give it a Commissioner for Information that would not divide its members for self and pecuniary gains.
The demand was made by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu while making his speech during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Exco Chambers of Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday 18th July, 2023.
Ikeogwu had congratulated the Governor for his victorious election, while commending him for appointing one of the sought-after members of the Union, Sir Festus Ahon as his Chief Press Secretary.
While demanding for a number of things, including connecting the NUJ Press Centre to the Independent Power Plant, appointing more Journalists as media aides into his Government; Ikeogwu vehemently demanded that the Governor should also consider appointing a Commissioner for Information that is Journalists friendly and not divisive in nature.
His words, “Your Excellency, you made us a promise that we would be a critical part of your administration, particularly as regards the choice of media aides. While we appeal for an opportunity to nominate some of your media aides, we pray you to give us a Commissioner for Information that will be people oriented, down to earth and a man that will have the interest of the union at heart. We don’t want a Commissioner for Information that will further divide the union.
“We are not resting on our oars to ensure that the union has a clean record of its members in the State. This effort has led us to carry out a state wide membership screening and verification exercise.
“We have concluded that task and hoping that soonest, we shall make the compendium available to the public, as a way of giving them the opportunity to verify who engages them as a journalist in the State”, Ikeogwu said.
In his response, the Governor equally demanded that the union should adequately appreciate him first, for consulting with the union before appointing a member as his Chief Press Secretary when he was Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly.
Again, the Governor said he also consulted with the union before appointing another member as Chief Press Secretary now that he is Governor.
According to him, “There is no way we can give the NUJ all the appointments meant for the media. We have done enough, and we need commendation for the much we have done.
“However, I assure you that I will appoint a Commissioner for Information that has capacity; one who members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm know and will appreciate on the basis of cordial working relationship”, Oborevwori promised.
