By Sarah Okoliko
The Delta State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned Nigerians to be wary of a strange group parading as the Nigeria Association of Journalists in the State, saying it is not known to the Union, at the national and Local levels.
Delta NUJ, in a statement, dated September 26, 2022 and jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu; and Secretary, Comrade Patrick Ochei, while warning that those behind the body will be dealt with legally and constitutionally, also warned Nigerians to be wary of receiving awards from the non-existent group.
The full text of the press statement reads.
“The attention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has been drawn to a non-existing group that goes by the name Nigeria Association of Journalists.
“The union would have ordinarily looked the other side as the group does not exist anywhere in Nigeria and Delta State in particular, but doing so will give room for the unsuspecting public to fall victim to individuals hiding under the illegitimate group to defraud people.
“By this press statement, we wish to make it crystal clear that we do not know the group, neither are they in any way affiliated to NUJ.
“The groups that are known and affiliated to NUJ as the umbrella body of all practicing journalists in Nigeria are Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
“It is on record that this so-called Nigeria Association of Journalists is already going about giving awards to unsuspecting individuals in the society, in a way of attracting negative image to the Media Constituency in the State.
“NUJ does not give awards recklessly and even when it wants to do so, there must be express investigation of such proposed personalities and approval must be given by the National Secretariat.
“While calling on the public to be wary of these unscrupulous individuals, we want to assure every stakeholder in the society that those found to be culpable will be punished constitutionally and legally to act as deterrent to anybody or group trying to discredit the statutory image and functions of NUJ in the State.
“NUJ Delta State Council hereby, denounces and dissociates itself from the group parading as Nigeria Association of Journalists in the State.
“The union, urges the general public not to have any dealings, receive award or do business with individuals or group of individuals from the group as it is not known to the union.”
