Edo NUJ Reaffirms Commitment To Neutrality in Reporting Amidst Allegation of Bias

…Says NUJ remains apolitical

By Simeon OSAJIE

The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council have reacted to online publication by a faceless group known as “The Gidiga Group” titled: “Edo NUJ: a disturbing absence of pro-PDP stories in Union-related platforms” in which the faceless group alleged that there has also been a disturbing absence of pro-PDP articles in Edo NUJ-related platforms.

In a statement signed by Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Comrade Andy Egbon, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the Union stated that ordinarily, your accusations do not deserve a reply, but we chose to respond so as to set the record straight that “NUJ Belongs To Nobody.”

According to the Union, “As a professional body, the NUJ remains steadfast in its commitment to neutrality and does not engage in the selective reporting of political events. Our members adhere strictly to the ethics of the journalism profession, which emphasize balance, fairness, and objectivity. At no time has the union directed journalists to report or refrain from reporting the activities of any political party, including the PDP.

“The determination of news worthiness is entrusted to individual media professionals, who assess stories based on their merit, public interest, and established editorial guidelines.

“The NUJ does not interfere with the editorial decisions of journalists or media houses. We have no record of any instance where events covered by journalists were deliberately unreported or removed from any platform managed by the Union.

“For clarity, the Edo NUJ operates only three official platforms established by the Union’s leadership. Unless specific instances are provided where the Union has demonstrated bias or engaged in unprofessional conduct on these platforms, we advise your group to engage more proactively with journalists and media houses to enhance visibility in the media.

“We wish to reiterate that journalists in Edo State are committed to covering all individuals, groups, and political parties without bias. Suggestions of a coordinated effort to suppress certain political narratives are unfounded and serve only to cast unwarranted aspersions on the integrity of the NUJ and media practitioners in the state.”

Going further the Union added, “As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, our duty is to report news as it unfolds, free from influence or intimidation by any political interest. We urge all stakeholders to respect the independence of the press and to engage constructively, rather than resorting to unverified claims.

“The NUJ, Edo State Council will resist any attempt to use journalists as a blackmailing tool or induce journalists to publish or broadcast unfounded and unverified news reports as we will continue to uphold the principles of ethical journalism, ensuring that all voices, regardless of political affiliation, receive fair representation in the media space.

“Lastly, did your group ever requested for a press conference in the press centre and was rejected? But this is NO, so why raising unnecessary alarm?
“EDO NUJ REMAINS APOLITICAL””