NUJ ‘ll stop social media bill at NASS -President
By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Alhaji Waheed Odusile has hinted that NUJ is ready to mobilise its members to the National Assembly to stop the social media bill if presented for public hearing.
Alhaji Odusile dropped the hint in Ibadan while speaking at the opening of the 2015 Oyo NUJ Press week and a lecture titled “Nigeria Beyond Oil”.
He declared that the media in Nigeria will not allow the social media bill before the National Assembly see the light of the day, saying the bill is another Decree 4 of 1983 in disguise.
“They are trying to bring back the widely condemned decree 4 of 1983 to satisfy their selfish interests. It is a law targeted at restricting freedom of expression.
“I am imploring our state councils to submit petitions at their respective state House of Assemblies. We should also register our grievances at our respective governor’s offices,’’ he said.
The NUJ President however frowned at the non-payment of media practitioner’s salaries in the country, saying the time has come for media proprietors in Nigeria to ensure regular payment of members salaries to avoid facing the wrath of the union.
He specifically pleaded with Dr Raymond Dokpesi and Gov. Abiola Ajimobi to pay media practitioners working for their respective media houses, saying, “I have commended the governor for his giant strides in the state but will not take lightly with him if he continues to deny our members their salary”.
Speaking further, the NUJ President declared that the union’s radio station, promised during his electioneering campaign, was in the pipeline and would soon become a reality urging all NUJ members to ensure regular payment of their check-off dues.
The Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Ganiyu Salawu while speaking at the programme, advocated diversification of Nigeria economy from oil to agriculture.
