The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Niger State Council, says it takes exception in any form of threat to lives and property of practicing members of the Union in any part of the State.
The Union was reacting to a four minutes viral video produced and aired by one social media scavenger, by name Nura Yerima, threatening to deal decisively with a member working with Prestige FM Minna, Nurudeen Ishaku Daza, for doing his job.
In a statement issued by the State Secretary of NUJ Comrade Usman Chiji, the Union described as unacceptable and worrisome, the derogatory and abusive words used by the said Nura Yerima as he also defame our member calling him all sorts of name.
The Union viewed the video in its entirety as abusive, defamatory, derogatory and very disturbing considering the rate of hooliganism and pockets of other forms violence that are peculiar to Minna metropolis.
It is a well known fact that journalists in Niger State are well trained , disciplined and those who abide by the ethics of the profession who for no any material gain would descend so low to tarnish the image of the State Governor as alleged in the video.
For the record, the present leadership of the Union in the state have a cordial working relationship with the governor even before he became the Chief Executive of Niger State and journalists will do everything possible to strengthen this relationship and shun anything capable of derailing the New Niger agenda which NUJ is a critical stakeholder.
The Union therefore warned in strong terms that, on no condition should anything unpleasant happened to the reporter as he was carrying out his professional duty diligently.
NUJ advised members of the public to report any journalist who violates the ethics of the profession or infringe on the rights of anybody while discharging his or her duty to the Union and desist from threats of any kind, as the union will not take such action lightly.
Meanwhile, NUJ in Niger State will formally launch a complain with security agencies for necessary action on the issue.
