Ebonyi NUJ Declares State Safest for Journalists, Dismisses Press Freedom Concerns

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has described Ebonyi as the safest state for journalists in Nigeria, insisting that press freedom is not under threat in the state.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Samson Chinedu Nwafor, the council dismissed recent claims in some media quarters alleging that journalists were facing intimidation following the suspension of the Acting General Manager of Legacy FM, Mr. Odoh Godfrey Chikwere, by his employer.

The NUJ stressed that journalists in Ebonyi enjoy “the best of press freedom in the country,” adding that the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru “respects the independence of the press” and does not interfere in their constitutional duties.

“To the best of our knowledge, no journalist has ever been attacked, molested, harassed, or threatened in the line of duty by the government or its agents under the current administration,” the statement read.

The council maintained that the suspension of Mr. Chikwere was an internal employer-employee matter and “does not in any way constitute a threat to press freedom in Ebonyi State.” It also cautioned journalists to uphold ethical standards and avoid letting personal sentiments undermine the profession.

The NUJ further warned against “meddlesome interlopers” making what it called imaginary claims about threats to press freedom, urging them to desist. It also alerted the public to beware of individuals posing as journalists without meeting the profession’s requirements, describing them as “fake” and not to be taken seriously.

The statement reaffirmed the cordial relationship between the NUJ in Ebonyi and the state government, built on mutual respect for each other’s constitutional roles.