Journalists in Taraba boycott state govt. activities
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.
Abuja Online Publishers congratulate President Bola Tinubu
*Set Agenda for Tinubu’s Administration Abuja Online Publishers Forum (AOPF) on Thursday felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his assumption of office as the 16th President of Nigeria and using this opportunity to set agenda for the new administration. In a press statement jointly signed and made available to newsmen by the Chairman and the Secretary of the Association, Martins Odiete and Shola Akingboye, respectively, the body, while commending Mr President’s long walk to victory, says the former Lagos state governor fought through thick and thin with a dint of hard work and resilience which he demonstrated during campaigns that culminated into the hard-earned victory. Eulogising Tinubu’s political trajectory, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Martins Odiete reflected on the roles played by the new President in bringing Nigeria together in the wake of the June 12, 1993 election crisis that threatened the peaceful coexistence of the country.Odiete reiterated the role President Bola Tinubu played, along with other pro-democracy stalwarts in the fierce battle against military dictatorship in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria. He encouraged the President-elect to act as a transformational leader by itching his name in gold in the history of the country. “Given our constitutional responsibility as the watchdog of society, we will constructively bridge the gap between the government and the people,” Odiete said. AOPF therefore, highlighted the following areas as part of our agenda for the President-elect: “First, urgent palliative measures must be rolled out nationwide in the short to medium term to cushion the negative effects of the current economic crisis. “The President should be magnanimous in victory, and work with all patriots irrespective of political divides. Nigeria at the moment is divided across ethnic lines, at AOPF, we cannot but urge you to bring back the lost glory of Nigeria as one undivided Nation. “We call on you to strengthen the electoral process that brought you to power by reviewing the Electoral Act to bequeath a trusted and improved process. This will place Nigeria among committee of truly democratic nations of the world. “The tenets of federal character and inclusion must be upheld to the latter in distributing appointive positions without sacrificing competence and patriotic character. “Let there be equal rights for all religions; ethnicities, gender and other representations in the public service, military and security agencies. “Nigerians look forward to stable electricity, quality education, and affordable and quality healthcare for all, among other basic necessities under your watch. “Key among expectations of all Nigerians is a secure nation. Let the security of Nigeria be the administration’s priority, a nation where Nigerians can sleep with two eyes closed while businesses thrive for economic growth. “While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the peaceful conduct of the last general elections as observed, the Forum is using this opportunity to appeal to the electoral umpire to be more proactive and ensure that future elections are free of rancour as witnessed in the last general election,” the statement said. Finally, the body admonished other candidates who are still in court to be patriotic in words and deeds as they seek redress over any grievance through democratic means in the interest of the nation.