Rivers NUJ Bans Press Conferences Outside Council Secretariat

The Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ in Rivers State has again banned press conferences being held outside the council centre located at Moscow road, Port Harcourt.

The decision was taken by the council after the congress meeting for the month of April which threatened to sanction any member that attends any conference outside the press centre.

A statement by its Chairman, Comrade Stanley Job and Secretary, Comrade Ike Nwigodo also threatened to disrupt any news conference held outside the press centre without the permission of the union leadership.

Rivers NUJ Bans Press Conferences Outside Council Secretariat

The statement reiterated its warning that it would no longer tolerate news conference held outside the press centre without the permission of the union leadership as this is what is obtainable in other states.

They stressed that the press centre is meant for press conferences just as the court is meant for hearing litigations.

According to the union leadership, politicians and private organizations should desist from inviting journalists to hotels, private offices or houses for press conferences.

Rivers NUJ Bans Press Conferences Outside Council Secretariat

However, the council exempts the Rivers State Government House, the Police, Army and Navy from its list of those banned from holding press conferences outside the press centre in view of their peculiar situation.

The Rivers state union of the NUJ stated that it is out to protect the interest and integrity of the journalism profession and fish out those demeaning the profession.

The council stated that it would collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure that the decision of the congress is carried out effectively.

Rivers NUJ Bans Press Conferences Outside Council Secretariat

The NUJ advised journalists in the state in the state to adhere to the rules and conduct themselves with the best ethics of the profession particularly during the political season.