By Adelola Amihere
The Nigerian Union of Journalists has called on governments at all levels to come to the aid of Media workers who work round the clock in information dissemination especially as they are on the frontline in containing the COVID-19 pandemi.
This is just as it also called for the need for comprehensive insurance, palliatives, safety kits and very importantly hazard allowance for journslists.
In a statememt signed by the National President, Chris Isiguzo in commemoration of the 2020 May Day stated that this year’s celebration is low keyed due to the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Union Of Journalists, NUJ, felicitates with workers especially media workers on this auspicious Workers’ Day celebrations.
” The day is set aside all over the world, Nigeria inclusive, to celebrate and appreciate workers for their tenacity and contributions to the development of Economies.
“The NUJ specially appreciates Nigerian journalists for their doggedness, professionalism, diligence and dedication to their professional calling despite the peculiar occupational hazards they face in the line of duty.
“The Union therefore calls on media workers as they go about their duties covering the Coronavirus issues, to be careful and take all precautionary measures as prescribed by WHO and the NCDC.”
Furthermore , the Unioin while calling on debtor media comapnies to clear the backlog of salaries owed its workers also demanded for the unconditional release of Kufre Carter, sports presenter with XL 106.9 FM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Carter who was reportedly detained by the DSS over a leaked telephone conversation he had with a medical doctor on the method deployed by the Akwa Ibom state government in handling the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
Carter had been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Uyo presided over by Magistrate Winifred M. Umohandy Esq on a three-count charge bothering on defamation of character.
