The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has dismissed claims of press freedom violations in the state, insisting that journalists enjoy the safest and most conducive working environment in Nigeria under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
In a statement signed on Monday by its Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor, the Council condemned “clout-chasing individuals” peddling false narratives suggesting media repression following the suspension of the Acting General Manager of Legacy FM, Mr. Odo Godfrey Chikwere, by his employer.
The NUJ maintained that the suspension was an internal organizational decision and bore no connection to government interference, adding that “no journalist has ever been attacked, molested, harassed, or threatened in the line of duty in Ebonyi State” under the current administration.
“The Ebonyi State Government respects the independence of the press and does not interfere with the constitutional duties of journalists,” the statement read, stressing that relations between the Union and the state government remain “highly cordial, with mutual respect.”
The Council further warned media practitioners against allowing personal sentiments to undermine ethical standards, and cautioned those making “imaginary claims” of press freedom threats to desist from meddling in the affairs of journalists in the state.
It also alerted the public to the activities of impostors parading themselves as journalists without meeting professional requirements, describing them as “fake” and urging the public to disregard them.
