From Steve Oko, Umuahia
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has advocated the payment of covid -19 hazard allowance to practising journalists nation wide who put their lives on the line to bring updates on the global pandemic.
Ohuabunwa who made the call in Umuahia while donating financial support to Abia journalists appealed to both the federal and state governments as well as public -spirited individuals to meaningfully assist journalists in a time like this.
The former Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, donated N200,000 cash to the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Abia State, and the Abia State Online Media Practitioners as palliative for the covid-19 lockdown.
He noted that although he was not currently in power, he would never hesitate to identify with journalists “any time any day”, describing them as wonderful people.
Ohuabunwa who sympathised with journalists over their predicaments in coping with the challenges of the season said they deserved “serious support at this time”.
Senator Ohuabunwa who was represented by the Director General of his political structure, Follow Better Organisation, Dr. Ndubuisi Eke, said that journalists deserved every support considering the enormity of risk they take for society.
Ohuabunwa urged journalists to sustain their heroic efforts in the fight against coronavirus, advising them to also endeavour to observe the necessary health protocols.
” Coronavirus does not discriminate as you can see that one of your colleagues in Kano is already a victim, and another one in Adamawa is also infested. Please, I want you to stay safe and strictly adhere to the necessary protocols including social distancing for the sake of your families.”
Responding, the Chairman of Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Obinna Ibe; and his Abia Online Media Practitioners counterpart, Ugochukwu Nwankwo, respectively, commended Ohuabunwa for the gesture.
They both described Senator Ohuabunwa as a “true lover and friend of journalists”, and prayed God to “soon restore him to a position of authority”.
Comrade Ibe noted that Ohuabunwa at all times, had never hesitated to show his respect and recognition for journalists, and urged other politicians to borrow a leaf from him.
“This is the time to show that you truly love journalist not only when you need us but now that covid -19 has made life very challenging for everybody”, Ibe told politicians.
