By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), ,Chris Isiguzo, has urged media practitioners to observe their professional code of ethics in the discharge of their social responsibility during the 2023 general elections.
He also called on the media owners in Nigeria to improve on their remunerations and hazard allowances as well provide adequate working tools for their journalists for the purpose effective and professional reportage.
The NUJ President stated this during a two- day capacity building workshop for journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs )in North East Zone, which is organized by Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) in collaboration the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The workshop which which slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, has the theme: “Conflict- Sensitive Reporting, 2023 General Elections and Countering Fake News.
He further noted that ,”With good and improved condition of service, no journalist will be waiting or collecting brown envelope any more. But In Nigeria, journalists don’t have good renumeration which is even not coming regularly. No better condition of service by the media Stakeholders. No hazard allowances. No adequate and good working tools
“Journalists are left to work on their own. Some are working tools with their money as employees. No hazard or insurance packages especially for those at war front or crisis areas across all the parts of the country. And now the journalists are expected to perform magic and even to collect brown envelope to sustain themselves and the job,” Chris said.
The NUJ President added that,” that is why we are now pursuing the issue of Media Rights where the rights of the Journalists will be protected. To make the journalists have cover and rights in doing his or her job without further interference or accusation.”
“As human beings we also have our rights in doing our job as professionals. So, we should be seen to be doing our job as professionals. We have code of ethics and we also intend to review our code of ethics as other professions do through the presentation of our bills to the lawmakers for assent,” Chris said.
He however noted that the journalists are stakeholders in national unity, peace and stability and should be seen to be promoting peace, particularly, peaceful and credible elections by reporting objectively and factually without any bias or sentiment.
Isiguzo further charged Journalists to always educate and enlighten the public, especially, the electorates regarding the electoral act and electoral process in a bid to ensure peaceful and credible elections for a better democracy.
The NUJ president, who spoke extensively in his paper presentation titled :”Role of the media in the conduct of peaceful elections,” stressed that, the topic is apt, bearing in mind the critical role of the media in the delivery of credible and peaceful elections .”
Isiguzu also pointed out that, “it is imperative for media professionals to brainstorm ahead of the 2023 general election and prepare well for the task ahead”.
“The media have a vital role to play in nation building, by being active partners in the implementation of the development processes.
“The media plays a major role in keeping the citizenry abreast of current events and raising awareness of various issues in any society.
“As journalists, we are expecting to develop a thorough understanding of the elections and the electoral process, an understanding of conflicts and convey these to citizens in a way that reflects the truth in all their complexities,” Isiguzo said
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