Constructive Reportage: Ebonyi State Governor Commends Union Of Journalists

 

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Francis Nwifuru has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, for its balanced reportage amidst challenges in the State.

Governor Nwifuru gave the commendation when the union paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abakaliki, the state capital in Southeast Nigeria.

The Governor said that the current situation in the country which has thrown up a lot of challenges in governance, was enough to elicit many injurious reactions from Journalists.

He however, appreciated the union for its understanding which has brought stability to the socio-political environment of the State, stressing that “the gesture was a testimony of healthy partnership between the union and the government.”

Governor Nwifuru said; “Let me sincerely thank you very much for your cooperation and understanding.

“This is a very great challenging period that ordinarily you could have been writing a lot of things in pages of Newspapers. But you decided to be more constructive and to respect us more than ever.

“The great reportage that we get gives us a lot of encouragement that you are seeing yourself as part and parcel of this administration and great partners in the development of our State.”

“We are not perfect as government and as individuals, but we have never recorded any challenge from the Nigeria Union of Journalists on this side,” he stated.

Stating their mission, the State Chairman of the Union, Samson Nwafor said they were in the Governor’s office to congratulate him on his polls’ victory and his assumption of office.

Nwafor expressed satisfaction with the administrative steps taken so far by the Governor in addressing the enormous challenges of the State especially in the areas of employment, youth inclusion in governance, water supply as well as education and healthcare.

He said: “Your victory is not only well-deserved but an affirmation of the popular choice of the majority of Ebonyi people who believe strongly in equity, fairness, and justice.

“We are pleased with the steps you’ve taken since assumption of office.”

“One of the greatest things you have done Your Excellency was making the Youths the major fulcrum of your administration.

“We thank you for reviving our Health sector through the employment of health personnel.

“We commend you for lifting the embargo on employment of more workers into our civil service to fill existing vacancies,” he said.

Nwafor further said; “We can’t thank you enough for remembering the agonies of our brothers and sisters displaced in some parts of the State whom you have commenced construction of low-cost houses for.”

While commending the Governor for appointing some of her members into his cabinet including the immediate past Chairman, Tony Nwizi, who was appointed Special Assistant on Information and Communication Technology, the Chairman solicited more appointments from the Governor.

He said; “Let me particularly thank Your Excellency for accommodating the NUJ in your appointments through the appointment of five of our members into their professional roles.

“This is an indication of your preparedness to partner with the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

“We want to strongly assure you of our firm resolve to fully support and partner with your administration.”

“We, however, plead with Your Excellency to accommodate more of our members in subsequent appointments,” Nwafor said.

The Chairman also seized the opportunity to present to the Governor some of the challenges of the Union in the State, including a functional Vehicle and other logistics to facilitate their job.

He was accompanied on the visit by members of the State Executive Committee as well as some past State Council chairmen.

 

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere