BENIN CITY- The leadership of Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ)led by Com.Festus Alenkhe have called on all political parties participating in the governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday 22nd ,23rd Friday and others to ensure the safety and security of accredited journalists assigned to cover and report on their respective activities.
The main political parties include, All Progressives Congress (APC ) , Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and others
In a press statement by the Chairman of the union Com. Festus Alenkhe and made available to newsmen said this appeal stems from the recognition of journalists as the fourth estate of the realm, dedicated to impartially watchdog of the society.
The Union emphasizes that journalists, bearing only their professional responsibilities, should be safeguarded against any potential harm during their coverage.
According to Alenkhe, we earnestly request the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take necessary measures to ensure the physical and emotional safety of journalists during the events.
He urged members of the Union who have not received invitations to any of the locations to reach out to the publicity secretary of the various political parties which is crucial for their safety and to maintain the integrity of journalism as an unbiased and objective profession.
“As a collective voice of journalists, we believe that these precautions are essential to fostering an environment where the press can perform their duties without fear or hindrance “.
He then urged Journalists to ensure they carry their valid IDENTITY CARD at all times during coverage.
