NUJ seeks synergy with security agencies on members’ safety in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa state council, says it will seek stronger partnership with security agencies in the state to protect journalists in the course of carrying out their duties.

The Chairman of the union in the state, Mr Dogo Shammah, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lafia on Friday.

November 2, is a United Nations recognised day annually celebrated as The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

Shammah said the council had made efforts to orientate security outfits, in the state, on the activities of journalists.

He added that the synergy would go a long way in preventing crimes against journalists as security officers would have a clearer understanding of the work of journalists.

“We have a mutual understanding with security outfits in the state.

“We are working hard to strengthen it so that journalists can do their job in highlighting issues that affect our state and the country at large.

“That is why when we came on board, we embarked on advocacy visits to various security organisations, to build synergy and enlighten them on the vital role journalists play in the society,” he said.

Shammah Also said that the council had proposed to the Nasarawa state government a sensitisation workshop toward enlightening journalists, security outfits on the roles of the media in nation building.

He said that the workshop would afford the union the opportunity to brainstorm with the stakeholders on strategies to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

The chairman urged journalists to always take precautionary measures to safeguard in the course of carrying out their responsibilities.

“I always tell the practitioners to always be cautious and careful wherever they are going to do their jobs.

“In this critical period of democratic dispensation, especially with the 2019 general elections approaching, I advise my colleagues to be very careful,” he said.

He also journalists to always ensure their reports were in line with ethics of journalism.