The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council has banned its members from covering the activities of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) as from today, Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The Chapel advised, Dr Adagba to withdraw the statement and also make an “unreserved apology” to its members, for tagging Journalists in the state, ‘Opposition party’, reports Daily Independent.
The Chapel which took the decision in reaction to the statement by Dr Adagba, describing Journalists in the state as opposition party, at an Emergency Congress held in Makurdi on Wednesday, warned that it would not take lightly any statement, from any quarters, aimed at demeaning its members.
Dr Adagba who had alleged that the activities of Governor Hyacinth Alia were underreported also said she was not going to have anything to do with the media in Benue, until they stepped up their reportage on the Governor.
However, following the report by this paper which went viral on Monday, rather than find ways of resolving the issue, amicably, the Board chairman engaged plots to divide the Chapel.
The move drew condemnation from members of the Chapel, prompting its members to call for an emergency congress to tackle the issue headlong.
In the Communique issued at the end of Congress and signed by Emmanuel Antswen and Titus Atondu, Chairman and Secretary respectively, Congress however acknowledged the efforts of Media handlers of the state governor in resolving the issue.
The Communique reads: “The Congress has placed a ban on the coverage of all activities of Benue State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), following the utterances of the Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr. Grace Adagba.
“During the visit of members of Correspondents’ Chapel to her office, Dr Adagba tagged Journalists as ‘OPPOSITION PARTY’. She also accused Journalists of under6 reporting Governor Hyacinth Alia’s activities.
“Congress also resolved that the SUBEB Chairman should withdraw her statement and tender unreserved apology.
“Congress commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his developmental strides within nine months of his administration, that earned him several awards, including the Governor of the Year Award, by a reputable media organisation.
“Congress acknowledged the efforts of the Media handlers of the Governor, especially the Chief Press Secretary, Sir. Tersoo Kula and the Principal Special Assistant, Media and Publicity/Strategic Communications, Mrs. Bridget Kyado, in their attempt to resolve the matter.
“The Congress also resolved that the Chapel will not take lightly any form of disrespect or demeaning utterances/statements from any member of the public against them.”
