The Borno State Correspondents’ Chapel members of Nigeria Union of
Journalists (NUJ); have said the antics of media aide to Governor
Babagana Zulum, Baba Sheikh Haruna continue to undermine workings and
reports of media.
According to Chapel, the continuous undermine attempts of Haruna
however; gags press freedom; thereby threatening publicizing
activities of Zulum and Borno reports.
Chapel Chairman, Haruna Dauda-Biu in a statement Wednesday in
Maiduguri, disclosed that; “It’s disheartening to observe that in
recent times; there were deliberate attempts by the media aide to
frustrate or prevent members of Chapel, who represent various national
and international media outfits from doing their jobs.
While lamenting incessant threats of reporting, Dauda-Biu said that
antic of median aide could no longer be tolerated as it impugns on
press freedom, including free and fair reportage and media
editorials.
“The recent alleged incidents of journalists’ undermine, have stifled
the carrying out of various reports on people-oriented government
policies and programmes,” he said, warning that this could no longer
be tolerated.
He continued; “Zulum’s aide rode to the office as Chairman of the
Borno State Chapter of the NUJ.
“He should also know better what press freedom is all about and the
importance of media correspondents in publicizing the activities of
his principal and acting as the watchdog.
“Haruna who recently assumed the supervisory role of the Governor’s
media affairs has continued to engage in an unprofessional conduct by
refusing to invite or inform journalists of important public
engagements or functions of Zulum in the state.”
According to him, the alleged act also negates provision of section 22
of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as
amended,”
He also noted that the Constitution empowers the press to function
freely without any form of hindrance or threats.
On roles of media aides, he said: “The Chapel wishes to remind the SSA
Media that good governance and accountability, which his principal,
His Excellency Governor Babagana Zulum stands for, can only be
achieved when the media is allowed to cover and report the activities
of government for effective checks and balances.”
“The Chapel has on several occasions tried to draw Mr. Baba-Sheikh
Haruna’s attention to this unbecoming attitude but to no avail,”
warning that members of Chapel will no longer condone any attempt by
Haruna or those he delegates to undermine press freedom in Borno.”
