Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ondo State, Prince Leke Adegbite says the year 2023 is the most trying moments in the life of journalists working in the State.
Precision Online Newspaper reports that Adegbite disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure at the opening ceremony and public lecture of the union as part of the activities marking the 2023 press week.
He said apart from the political crisis in 1983 in the State during the Ajasin-Omoboriowo era, the challenges occasioned by the medical vacation of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the impeachment process of his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, put Ondo State Journalists on trial.
According to him, Journalists in the State must be given credit for sustaining the peace and tempo of the State.
“It is also on record that this outgoing year has been one of the most difficult year in the history of journalism practice in our dear sunshine state, considering the political situation confronting the state occasioned by the medical vacation of Mr Governor and impeachment process commenced against his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“I want to sincerely commend my colleagues for upholding their professional ethics despite pressure from the political class.
“We also want to place it on record that the NUJ Executives under my watch has so far provided unblemished leadership for journalists in the state. That is why today, despite different strategies by politicians to use the political logjam to create unrest in our state, the media and professionals have continued to practice and report them responsibly.”
Adegbite used the opportunity of the event to appeal to the political class to put the interest of Ondo State first in all their dealings especially as the 2024 governorship election draws near.
“While intervention by Elders and rule of law should be followed in resolving the current political logjam to save our state from unnecessary political crisis. We appeal to security operatives to be proactive in doing their constitutional duties. We pray for quick recovery for Mr Governor,” he said.
Earlier in the week, the 2023 press week started with the thanksgiving service, while a visitation to the children’s home and medical outreach at the press center kicked off.
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