Journalists in Delta Move against Okowa, Aides

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the  Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has blacklisted the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his aides or agents or cohorts involved in influencing positive media image for the  administration of the former governor.

This sanction was contained in a six-point communiqué issued at the end of the body’s congress held at its secretariat in Asaba,  yesterday.

The union expressed dismay at the generally unrepentant haughty attitude of former governor  towards members till the end of his administration.

The union pointed out that it could not absolve Dr Okowa’s media aide, including his media adviser, of complicity as Dr Okowa’s remarkably unfriendly attitude might be different had the aides shown enough commitment to the well-being of the union members.

Rising from a three-hour meeting attended by more than 20 of its members from national print, broadcast and online media organisations, the Congress resolved  that members, henceforth,  would  stay away from all events and activities aimed at laundering the image of the Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

They said:No member of the chapel should cover any event or use any press release or statement by media aides to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and that such event or release is about the image laundering of Doctor Ifeanyi Okowa. The Media Adviser to the immediate past Governor, Olisa Ifeajika, who was  formerly Chairman of the Chapel, failed to represent the interest of the chapel during his tenure as Chief Press Secretary. Any member of the Chapel that acts contrary to the resolutions, will be suspended for a period not less than six months without any benefits accruing to members.

The newly appointed Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor , Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and a member of the chapel as well as National Ex-Officio of NUJ, Comrade Festus Ahon, is worthy of the appointment, and is hereby congratulated.

The unity of the Chapel Executive Committee, and members cannot and will not be compromised.