Following the threat to the life of Vanguard Correspondent covering activities in Kaduna, Alhaji Hassan Mahmoud Wuyo by the governor-elect and Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial district, Uba Sani, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State has vowed to hold him to account, if anything happen to him.
In a statement by the Council Secretary, Gambo Santos Sanga on Monday, the NUJ fumed at Uba Sani’s display of arrogance, impunity and a threat to Vanguard’s Correspondent’s life over an imaginary report, which he added that the NUJ Chairman in Kaduna also worked against his political interest.
The Council in the statement insisted on professionalism in discharging their duties and would never be a puppet of any politician, no matter the turn of events.
The council further demanded apology from the governor-elect over his unwarranted verbal attacks.
The statement read: “The attention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, has been drawn to a letter of complaint by our member who is the State correspondent of the Vanguard Newspapers, Mallam Hassan Mahmoud over an alleged threat to his life by the Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani at purported media briefing in Kaduna on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
“At the supposed media briefing, the Governor-elect, Senator Sani allegedly accused Mallam Mahmoud of carrying negative stories against him and also said that the chairman of the NUJ, Kaduna State Council worked against his political interest during the just concluded gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in spite of his donating a vehicle to the NUJ last year.
“Considering the weighty allegations purportedly made by Senator Uba Sani and the threat issued to Mallam Mahmoud to remember what happened to the former Vanguard correspondent in Kaduna State, the NUJ wishes to state as follows:
“The Union and its members are professionals that hold dear to their social responsibility to the society by being fair, just, balanced and equitable in their reportage thus, would not deny any member of the public or politician access to information.
“At no time did the Chairman of the Council or any other official of the Union requested or directed its members on which politician or party to support owing to the ethics of the journalism profession that stresses balanced, fair and accurate reportage at all times.
“It is therefore important to state that the Nigeria Union of Journalists is a professional and non-partisan organisation which does not take sides with any individual or groups.
“The Union as a professional body is guided by code of ethics in the discharge of her social responsibility of entrenching and propelling equity, justice and fairness to all people irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.
“In this wise, the NUJ Kaduna State Council, wishes to state unequivocally that there was never a time the Council chairman adopted any politician as a candidate or projected any of the contending political parties against the others before, during and after the general election in the state.
“Based on the foregoing, the NUJ Kaduna Council therefore views the verbal attacks on her members as totally uncalled for, unwarranted, and most unfortunate, especially when considered against the backdrop of the fact that it purportedly emanated from someone considered to be a friend of the Council and Governor-elect.
“To this end, the Kaduna State Council of NUJ wishes to state and demand that nothing untoward must happen to our member, the Vanguard Newspapers correspondent, Mallam Mahmoud taking into consideration the way and manner his predecessor, Mr Luka Biniyat was intimidated, harassed and subjected to incarceration by the state.
“The Council therefore demand an unreserved apology to the NUJ, its State chairman and Mallam Mahmoud over the malicious allegations and the brazen humiliation and embarrassment as well as the perceived threat to the life of the Correspondent by the Governor-elect.
“Further more, Council reiterates her position to remain neutral in all political development in the state while reaffirming her genuine and continuous stand towards the promotion of unity, peace and justice in the state and beyond.
“In the meantime, Council enjoins journalists in the state to continue with their lawful duties without fear or hindrance as measures are being taken to guarantee their safety in liaison with the relevant security agencies in the state.”
