Journalists from Akwa Ibom State have decided to boycott activities in the Akwa Ibom Legislative Assembly.
The decision is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Uyo after the monthly congress of the Nigerian Journalists UnionAkwa Ibom State Council.
The reason for the boycott is the appointment of a non-journalist as press secretary to the president of the Assembly, according to the statement signed by the president of the NUJ in Akwa Ibom, Amos Etuk, the secretary of the NUJ in the state, Dominic Akpan, the chairman of the communiqué drafting committee, Iniobong Ekponta and two other committee members.
“Congress has ordered all journalists covering the activities of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, including the Press Corps, to withdraw their services with immediate effect upon the appointment of a non-journalist as Press Secretary by of the Spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong,” the statement read in part.
“Congress frowned upon this development and accordingly warned that any non-compliant member of the Union will face severe penalties.”
The speaker’s press secretary is the head of the assembly’s press corps, which consists of reporters from various state media outlets.
The position is traditionally reserved for a practicing journalist.
The newly appointed press secretary, Nkereuwem Udom, is a politician and former local legislator in the Ibesikpo-Asutan local government area of Akwa Ibom state, where he was the head of the chamber, according to information published in his Facebook page.
It does not bother
Newslodge on Wednesday night spoke to Mr. Udom about the development. He said that he was not concerned by the NUJ’s decision.
“I am familiar with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other laws, I have not seen, I have not read where the speaker must seek someone’s approval before appointing personal assistants.
“The appointment of personal assistants is at the discretion of the incumbent, unless the Nigerian Constitution provides otherwise,” he said.
“Journalists have made their position known and there is nothing wrong with that.
“I hold office at the discretion of the speaker. I will work with the NUJ and all the journalists. I know that everything will be resolved, ”he added.