The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council has strongly condemned the recent actions of the Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Dave Umahi, for his perceived disrespect towards journalists.
This reaction follows an incident where the minister dismissed the presence of over 40 journalists at a press conference, describing the media as “not present.”
In a joint statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the NUJ-FCT Council, Comrade Osadebamwen Osaretin and Ochiaka Ugwu, respectively, the NUJ expressed its dismay over the minister’s conduct. “The outright disregard of members of the fourth estate of the realm by the Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Dave Umahi, is appalling,” the statement read.
The press conference, scheduled for 2 pm on Tuesday and eventually starting at 2:48 pm, saw journalists from major media outlets including The Punch, Nigerian Tribune, National Accord Newspaper, The Vanguard, Leadership, Daily Independent, Peoples Daily, Armed Forces Radio, NTA, Arise Television, TVC, and the News Agency of Nigeria, among others, waiting for the minister. Despite their presence, Umahi’s dismissive comment that “journalists are not present” was seen as highly condescending.
“The minister owes a duty to Nigerians through the press and should demonstrate respect and utmost courtesy,” the NUJ stated, warning that continued disrespect could lead to a media boycott of the minister’s activities. The union highlighted a previous incident where Umahi attempted to shout down Laila Johnson-Salami, an Arise TV correspondent, as further evidence of his inappropriate behavior towards the press.
The NUJ therefore called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that all government officials treat journalists with the highest civility and courtesy. “The media has a constitutional role to hold government and its officials accountable to the Nigerian people, and no amount of intemperance from any government official will erode this sacred duty,” the statement emphasized.
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