The Nigerian Union Journalists (NUJ), Ondo state chapter has admonished Nigerians to be wary of increasing spread of Fake News on social media, adding that they are capable of causing unrest in the nation.
The Ondo NUJ expressed this worry in a communique at the end of its congress for the month of October held at the Pen house in Akure, the state capital.
The Precision NG reports that the union also condemned the fine imposed on some media organizations by the NBC amid end SARS protests and Lekki shooting, urging the National body of the union to wade into the issue.
The union while rejoicing with a veteran journalist, Mr Sunday Ajongbolo who recently retired from the state civil service added that its annual press week would hold between 13th and 18th December, 2020.
More details from the communique below:
*That Ondo NUJ urges media organizations and journalists to sustain and maintain core values, principles and ethics of the profession especially in the face of assault and official intimidation. The Congress declares full support for all steps by the National Secretariat of NUJ and media stakeholders to defend media outfits wrongly fined by NBC in the wake of #EndSars protest/Lekki shooting.
*That the Congress recognises the fundamental rights of citizens to peaceful protest but totally condemned the attendant violence and arsons of notable public, private and political properties in Ondo State after hoodlums hijacked #EndSARS peaceful protest.
*That the Union encourages the security agents in Ondo state not to relent but step up their games to ensure adequate security of lives and properties.
*That Ondo NUJ advises those with genuine grievances against the defunct SARS and police brutality should channel same to the Judicial Panel constituted by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and recommendations should be well implemented while adequate compensation should be made for victims.
*That the Congress appeals to the Ondo state government to be more proactive in handling waste usually littering streets in the state to prevent epidemic among residents.
*That the Congress felicitates with one of our Senior members from the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) Mr Sunday Ajongbolo on his retirement from the active public service, wishing him the best in his future endeavours.
*That the Congress approves that the State Press Week Celebration should hold by December Sunday 13th – Friday 18th, 2020 and urges all members to support the Press Week Committee headed by Bisi Longe to organise another memorable event.
Communiqué Drafting Committee;
1. Abooluwa Famakinwa (State Information chapel)
2. Friday Otabor (Correspondents chapel)
3. Augustine Adeoye (State Information chapel).
Signed:
Leke Adegbite
State Secretary.
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