Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly refuted the misleading piece credited to Mr Wahab Oba, a former Chief Press Secretary to the Former Governor of the state that Journalists in the state are being intimidated.
The Council described Mr Oba’s assertions in his recent article titled “Silencing the Drums of Conscience: Kwara Under Alade’s Tyranny,” as baseless, politically motivated, and unfair to the Union
It cautioned him against dragging the respected professional body into partisan controversies.
In the publication, Oba accused the NUJ of alleged docility and collaboration with the Kwara State government, claiming that some Journalists, including the publisher of Nupeko TV had been incarcerated for their work.
However, in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Ahmed ‘Lanre Abdullateef, and Secretary, Mahmood Olayinka Alaya, the NUJ categorically stated that no registered member of the Union in Kwara State has been arrested or detained in connection with their professional duties.
Kwara NUJ stated clearly that it is not intimidated by any arm of government or individual.
According to the Union, the record of engagement with authorities on press freedom and welfare issues speaks for itself.
The Umbrella body of Journalists said they have never failed to stand by their members whenever their rights are infringed upon, while the Union intervened during Dare Akogun’s Saga with the Governor’s CPS”.
The Union clarified that Mr Abdulrahman Bologi, the individual Mr Oba mentioned as publisher of Nupeko TV, is not a registered member of the NUJ, but an independent online content creator.
While reaffirming support for freedom of expression for all citizens, the NUJ emphasized that its intervention can only apply to duly registered journalists and recognized media organizations in line with its constitution.
The statement explained that the NUJ does not abandon its members, contrary to insinuations as the Union distinguish between professional journalists guided by our code of ethics and independent bloggers or commentators operating outside professional regulation.
The Council also reminded the public that digital media operations should not be conflated with traditional journalism, as professional journalism is governed by ethics, membership regulation, and institutional accountability, principles that ensure credibility and public trust.
Kwara NUJ, the NUJ said it is unfortunate and unbecoming that Mr Wahab Oba himself a former Chairman of the NUJ, Lagos State Council would choose to misinform and misrepresent the Union for political gain.
It pointed out that it is expected that someone who once led a respected professional body should be conversant with the NUJ Constitution and ethical principles guiding the practice of journalism and referring to a blogger as a journalist to score cheap political points is a disservice to the profession.
The NUJ warned Mr Wahab Oba to desist from dragging the Union into dirty politics or using its name to advance partisan propaganda, stressing that the NUJ stands for truth, accountability, and professional integrity, values that will never be compromised for political convenience.
The Mr Statement maintained that Oba should always verify his facts and conduct proper journalistic due diligence before rushing to the press as NUJ will not condone deliberate attempts by anyone, no matter how highly placed or formerly influential, to misrepresent its position or tarnish its image.
Reaffirming its neutrality and independence, the Kwara NUJ assured that it remains committed to defending press freedom, promoting credible journalism, and protecting the rights of all registered professional Journalists in the state.
The Statement described NUJ as a nonpartisan body and will continue to engage constructively with the government, civil society, and members of the public to uphold the values of fairness, accuracy, and objectivity in media practice.
