Attack On Journalists: NUJ To Boycott APC Activities After 7-Day Ultimatum
By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council has renew the earlier decision of Comrade Festus Alenkhe-led State Exco to boycott all activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the expiration of 7 days ultimatum if the state leadership of APC failed to tender apology and also replace destroyed cameras, laptops and phones belonging to her members.
Recall that some thugs attacked journalists at Lurshiville Hotel, GRA., Benin City, venue of the APC collation of results for Saturday February 17, 2024 ahead of the September 22, 2024 governorship election in the state, destroyed cameras, laptops and phones belonging to journalists who were on official assignment.
Also recall The9JaTrend reports that the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Festus Alenkhe at a press conference held on Sunday, 18th February urged the APC to offset the medical bills of journalists who sustained injuries during the attack and also tender an unreserved apology to the council for that was considered unprovoked attacks.
In a communique issued by the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Union after an emergency meeting presided over by the Council Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe on Monday, 19th February, 2024 at the secretariat of the Union in Benin City, after an extensive deliberation resoled as follows:-
“1. On the attack on journalists at the APC collation centre on Saturday February 17, 2024 in Benin City, SEC resolved that, after the expiration of the seven days ultimatum giving by the Union to the Edo state APC, the union will boycott all APC activities in Edo state.
“2. That all Journalists yet to pay their dues for 2023/2024 should immediately pay. All those who applied for the NUJ National lD card and their dues are not deducted from source are requested to pay the sum of N20,000 to the National secretariat in order to collect their lD card.
“3. SEC resolved to fully participate in the upcoming Human Capacity Development Training On investigative Journalism And Fire Safety/Prevention by Safer Africa Team.
“4. SEC acknowledged the success of the Edo state Journalists Classic Dinner and commended the NUJ National President, Comrade Chris ISIGUZO for attending the event.
“5. SEC members appreciated the chairman of the union Comrade Festus Alenkhe for his leadership style, assuring him of their support in the development of the union at all times.
“Signed
“1. Comrade Festus Alenkhe, Chairman, NUJ, Edo State Council
“2. Comrade Andy Egbon, Secretary, NUJ, Edo State Council
“3. Comrade Charles Kiseh, Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee
“4. Comrade Angela Ehimotor, Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee”
