– Says, He Lacks Legal, Moral Right To Lay Claim
The Association of Imo Based Journalists (AIBJ) led by Comrade Kelechi Ugo, has condemned in very strong terms a release issued by the dissident chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State Council Ifeanyi Nwamguma.
AIBJ, in a rebuttal signed by its Chairman Comrade Kelechi Ugo, stated that Nwamguma as a factional chairman of the NUJ in Imo State lacks the legal and moral right to disown an independent body formed by journalists and media practitioners operating in the state.
The group equally noted that since it has not presented itself as a branch, affiliate or organ of the NUJ, it does not require the validation of the factional chairman whose position and that of its purported executive is still a subject of litigation to operate within the ambits of the law.
The rebuttal which was issued yesterday and made available to newsmen further stated that, “1. CONCERNS OVER AMBIGUITY IN THE DISCLAIMER:
AIBJ expresses concern over the vague manner in which the disclaimer was released, especially as it referenced “other groups of journalists” without specific identification. Such ambiguity creates room for the public to wrongly assume that AIBJ is among the groups being referenced.
The Association also notes the public appearance of the author of the disclaimer in a group photograph with some members of AIBJ prior to the release. This makes it necessary for the factional NUJ leadership to clearly state which organization or organizations the disclaimer refers to, rather than issuing broad statements that can be misinterpreted.
2. AIBJ DISTANCES ITSELF FROM NUJ INTERNAL POLITICS:
AIBJ states that internal directives of the Factional NUJ to its registered members cannot be extended to journalists who voluntarily belong to other independent professional associations. Membership of NUJ and membership of AIBJ are distinct and should not be conflated by the public.
The Association emphasizes that it has no interest in undermining the NUJ. AIBJ believes that multiple professional platforms can coexist and jointly contribute to the growth of journalism, unity among practitioners, and the development of Imo State without rivalry.
3. CALL FOR EVIDENCE, CLARITY AND PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT:
AIBJ is concerned that the wording of the disclaimer could suggest the Association is involved in unauthorized or fraudulent activities. The Association challenges anyone with such allegations to provide specific evidence of misconduct or financial wrongdoing linked to AIBJ.
AIBJ therefore calls on the public, government institutions, corporate bodies, and community leaders to continue engaging the Association through its recognized officials. The Association urges restraint, dialogue, and professionalism among all media groups in Imo State, and reaffirms its commitment to ethics, transparency, and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
