Zamfara NUJ protests against maltreatment of journalists

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zamfara state chapter has kicked against buffalo approach on its legitimate members by either governments, security agencies and politicians through use of thugs while discharging their duties across the country.
In a peaceful demonstration yesterday in Gusau the state capital led by the state Acting Chairman of the NUJ, Abubakar Ahmed who reiterated that, the Nigerian society has dearth of knowledge on journalism and it’s constitutional role regarding to its being integral part of arms in progress towards the development of the nation.
A letter which was addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and captioned ‘Protection of Nigerian Journalists’ being drafted by the national headquarters of NUJ was delivered to the Zamfara state Acting Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala who was represented by the state Commissioner of Information, Muhammad Danjari Kwatarkwashi.
“We abide by the resolutions contained in the letter regarding needs for governments at all levels to implement the declaration of principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, which clearly said “No one shall be subject to arbitrary interference with his or her Freedom of Expression”, the Chairman stated.
He lamented the act of manhandling journalists by either security personnel, government officials, politicians and on one hand the groups of political thugs who always act in accordance with their political leaders that have negative interests against working journalists across the country.
Responding, the state Acting Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad assured the union of facilitated measures to ensure journalism and journalists are well understood and respected by the society, adding that, “No meaningful development whatsoever could be achieved without the services rendered by the journalists.