By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Taraba State has condemned the state government for deliberately excluding them from major state functions, including the Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) and the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a strongly worded resolution, the union accused the government of attempting to gag the press and disregarding transparency. “The action of the state government is a calculated attempt to gag the press,” said Mr. Charles Akpeji, Chairman of the resolution drafting committee.
The union has announced an immediate and indefinite boycott of all Taraba State Government activities, effective immediately. They have also passed a vote of no confidence in the Taraba State Commissioner for Information, Zainab Usman Jalingo, over her handling of journalist accreditations.
“We reassure residents of Taraba State of our unwavering commitment to our watchdog role,” the resolution stated. “Journalists will continue to report on issues affecting citizens and hold the government accountable, regardless of intimidation or exclusion.”
The union’s action follows a statement by the Information Commissioner, which suggested that only selected journalists would be invited to cover a road walk event. This move was seen as a further attempt to restrict press freedom.
The journalists’ boycott and vote of no confidence in the Information Commissioner have put pressure on the state government to reconsider its approach to press relations. The union’s resolution also calls for the removal of Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo as Information Commissioner.
“We will not be intimidated or excluded from performing our duties,” the union declared. “We will continue to hold the government accountable for its actions.”