Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has responded to a write-up by one Mr. Hamza Aliyu of Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) who attempted to credence to Idris Miliki Abduls unwarranted attack on Journalists, in which he labored in vain to defend the untoward behavior of Mr. Idris Miliki Abdul.
A statement issued on Thursday, signed by the State Council Chairman Comrade Adeiza Momohjimoh and Secretary, Adamu Seidu Haruna, faults Mr. Hamza’s write-up which alluded to the fact that Miliki is challenged when it comes to relating with people.
Though Hamza and Miliki fans see Miliki as a fearless person who speaks truth to power, NUJ believes, Miliki’s outbursts should be controlled and tamed as his bitter pills may not continue to be swallowed anytime he chooses to dish them out.
” The council wishes to call the attention of Mr. Hamza to the fact that good character and decency should be the hallmark of any civilized person.
” We refer him to his university graduation brochure and that of Mr. Miliki if he ever went to school where it is expressly stated that graduating students are found worthy in character and learning.
” Therefore if his client (Miliki) is only found worthy in speaking truth to power and lacks the requisite character to relate well with people then whatever gains he must have made from being worthy in speaking truth to power will be published by his lack of character.
” Mr. Hamza got it wrong when he said that the fundamental freedom of speech of Miliki has been infringed upon because our action has not stopped him from saying whatever he wants to say.
“All we have said is that our members will no longer be part of the people Miliki can treat with disdain. If we may ask Mr. Hamza how many wrestling matches have Miliki fought to earn him whatever fame he thinks he has today.
“If he could throw caution to the wind and address media professionals that have given him voice over the years, then he is not deserving of our collaboration again.” The statement read.
“You can’t bite the finger that feeds you and expects to be fed again. The media in Nigeria and Kogi State, in particular, have played wonderful roles in entrenching good governance and a saner society, and the majority of our members here in Kogi State both now and in the time past suffered bodily injuries and other inconveniences for standing with the people of Kogi State, yet they were well behaved unlike your client, Miliki
“We will therefore not tolerate any rubbish and unnecessary embarrassment from any low-level person in the name of collaboration. The dignity and respect for our members are sacrosanct and must be accorded to them at all times.” The statement read.
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