MEMBERS of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba Correspondents Chapel have placed an embargo on future media coverage on activities of the immediate past governor of Delta State Senator Arthur Okowa even though he is currently out of office.
They said the boycott of press coverage was necessary because he doesn’t deserve such publicity aimed at image laundering or boosting his political career since he decided to abandon them.
They descended heavily on Okowa’s media aides especially the former Chief Press Secretary CPS, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika for alleged failure to represent their interest.
Ironically, Olisa Ifeajika was a one time Chairman of the chapel several years back.
Although the Correspondents chapel didn’t openly disclose the cause of the grievances but The Town Hall reliably gathered that Ifeajika allegedly led other media aides to convince the ex governor Okowa not to extend his ‘parting gifts’ to them whereas journalists attached to Government House were each rewarded with at least N700,000.
The members noted that in spite of the robust reportage they rendered while Okowa served eight years in office they were utterly abandoned.
A six-point communique was issued at the end of the meeting on Tuesday, attended by more than twenty of the members drawn the national print media, Broadcast and Online media outfits.
It resolved as follows:
1. That no member of the chapel should cover any event or use any press release or statement by media aides to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and that such event or release is about the image laundering of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
2. That the Media Adviser to the immediate past Governor, Olise Ifeajika who was a former chairman of the chapel, failed to represent the interest of the chapel during his tenure as Chief Press Secretary.
3. That any member of the Chapel that acts contrary to the resolutions, will be suspended for a period not less than six months without any benefits accruing to such member.
4. That the newly appointed Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and a member of the chapel as well as National Ex-Officio of NUJ, Comrade Festus Ahon is worthy of the appointment and is hereby congratulated.
5. That the unity of the Chapel Executive, and members cannot be compromised.
6. That members of the Chapel should make themselves available for the NUJ screening with the necessary credentials and documents.