Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, his Imo State counterpart and Senator Hope Uzodimma and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, have congratulated Mr. Chris Isiguzo on his re-election as the President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Isiguzo, the South-east Bureau Chief of THISDAY Newspapers was re-elected unopposed during the union’s 7th Triennial National Delegates Conference, held on Thursday at Umuahia, Abia State.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa lauded the union’s delegates for re-electing Isiguzo for a second term.
He expressed optimism that Isiguzo would perform better in his second term given what he brought to bear on the union’s leadership in his first term.
He remarked that Isiguzo, who was first elected president of the union in 2018 at Abeokuta, had not only stabilised the NUJ, but had also brought a lot of candour to NUJ leadership.
Okowa said: “I have never doubted your ability to effectively lead the union to enviable heights you have taken it to, and i must thank your colleagues for rewarding your excellent performance in the last three years by unanimously returning you and some of your executive members unopposed.
“As we approach the 2023 general election, the role of the media in ensuring that Nigerians get free, fair and credible polls cannot be overemphasised.
“I, therefore, charge you and your colleagues to provide balanced reportage as you shape opinions and set agenda ahead of the polls.
“The media as Fourth Estate of the Realm must, at this critical time in our country, prominently play its fundamental watchdog role, holding leaders accountable to the people.
“The media should lead in directing governance on the right path, including the rule of law, and ensure that all tenets of democracy are upheld in the country.”
On his part, Uzodinma in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, said Isiguzo has demonstrated leadership capacity that made it possible for him to win the trust, support and confidence of his colleagues.
He lauded the orderly manner the journalists went about their election congratulating, also, all the delegates for the zeal to elect leaders of their choice and together, pursue an ideology that is geared towards contributing their quota for the betterment of the society.
The governor reminded Isiguzo and his team to work hard to ensure that they use their positions and talents to serve and meet the reasonable expectations of their members as well as to ensure that the role of the media in nation building is brought to the fore in all their activities.
He noted that he was confident that Isiguzo and his team will lead NUJ to an enviable height and leave a legacy that will be difficult to ignore many years after they had served out their term.
Also, Kalu in a statement in Abuja, congratulated Isiguzo, praising members of NUJ for ensuring successful conference.
Publisher of the Sun Newspapers, Kalu described the newly elected officials of the media body as credible, fearless and patriotic journalists.
He said the officials were committed to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.
The senator urged the new executive to uphold the tenets of the media profession while discharging their duties.
He said that media practitioners have major roles to play in building a decent and ideal society.
He expressed optimism in the capacity of the re-elected President to continue to steer the affairs of the media body in the right direction.
