The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Taraba on Tuesday, resolved to boycott coverage of all Taraba Government activities.
The resolution was signed by Mr. Charles Akpeji of Guardian Newspaper, Chairman of the Chapel’s Resolution Committee and made available to newsmen in Jalingo.
The statement said that the chapel decried the action by the state of deliberately sidelining its members during major state functions.
The statement also said that the chapel expressed outrage over the government’s failure to accredit its members for coverage of the Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST), and the planned visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state.
It described the action as a calculated attempt to gag the press, adding that the union unequivocally condemns what it labeled, a blatant disregard for press freedom and transparency.
According to the statement, the chapel subsequently announced an immediate and indefinite boycott of all Taraba government activities until the government changes it attitude.
The statement also said that the union had passed a vote of no confidence on Hajia Zainab Usman, Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation.
“This follows a statement credited to her regarding the invitation of accredited journalists to some pre- Taravest events, where members of the Correspondents’ Chapel were excluded.
“We wish to assure all residents of the State of our unwavering commitment to our watchdog role.
“Journalists will continue to report on issues affecting residents and will continue to hold the government accountable, regardless of the deliberate exclusion,” it stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu is billed to visit and inaugurate some projects in the state on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
