The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council on Wednesday, withdrew all her members covering the State House of Assembly with immediate effect.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the State Congress of the union held at its secretariat, which was jointly signed by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, State Council Secretary, Comrade Dominic Akpan, Comrade Iniobong Ekponta, Chairman of Communique Drafting Committee, Comrade Dianime Uko, Secretary Drafting Committee and Comrade Emem Okon.The communique noted that the order was as a result of the appointment of a non-journalist, Mr Nkereuwem Udom, as the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong.aprokoadvert. According to the communique, the union warned that any member that defaults the directive of the congress will face servere sanctions.
The communique in parts, “Congress directed all journalists covering the activities of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, including the Press Corps to withdraw their services with immediate effect over the appointment of a non-journalist as the Press Secretary (Head of Press Corps) by the Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong.“Congress frowned at this development and consequently warned that any defaulting member of the Union shall face severe sanctions,” communique stated.
