Call Minister Umahi to order, NUJ tells Tinubu

Call Minister Umahi to order, NUJ tells Tinubu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency call Minister of Works and Housing, Dave Umahi to order over his recent disregard to journalists.

In a joint statement signed by Chairman and Secretary of the NUJ-FCT Council, Comrade Osadebamwen Osaretin,

and Ochiaka Ugwu, respectively, they

expressed deep dismay over the actions of Umahi, accusing him of blatant disrespect towards journalists. 

This criticism follows an incident where the minister dismissed the presence of over 40 journalists at a press conference, claiming “journalists are not present.”

The NUJ condemned the conduct, describing it as condescending. “The outright disregard of members of the fourth estate of the realm by the Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Dave Umahi, is appalling,” the statement declared.

The press conference in question was scheduled for 2 pm on Tuesday, but the minister did not arrive until 2:48 pm. Journalists media outlets, including The Punch, Nigerian Tribune, The Vanguard, Leadership, Daily Independent, Peoples Daily, Armed Forces Radio, NTA, Arise Television, InsideBusinessng, TVC, and the News Agency of Nigeria, were in attendance. Despite their presence, Umahi’s comment that “journalists are not present” was seen as highly disrespectful.

The NUJ emphasized that the minister owes a duty to Nigerians through the press and should demonstrate respect and courtesy. The union warned that if such behavior continues, the media might be compelled to boycott Umahi’s activities. “To treat members of the press with such condescension is unbecoming of a minister appointed to serve and not be an emperor,” the statement read.

The NUJ also referenced a previous incident where Umahi attempted to shout down Arise TV correspondent Laila Johnson-Salami, indicating a pattern of disrespectful behavior towards journalists.

In the statement, the NUJ called on President Bola Tinubu to address the issue and ensure that all government officials treat journalists with the highest level of civility and respect. 

“The media has a constitutional role to hold government and its officials accountable to the Nigerian people, and no amount of intemperance from any government official will erode this sacred duty,” the NUJ asserted.