Concerned journalists in Plateau State have rejected what they described as an attempt by Mr. Andrew Nanyak Daman, popularly known as Shaks, to blackmail, disparage and undermine the integrity of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo.
The journalists said the recent comments allegedly attributed to Mr. Daman, particularly those circulated on social media, were unfortunate and appeared to be a continuation of efforts to create unnecessary division among journalists, the NUJ leadership and the Plateau State Government.
They recalled that journalists in the state had collectively passed a vote of confidence in the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, stressing that the decision was taken in the interest of the profession and should not be misconstrued as an attack on any individual or group.
The journalists also dismissed as inaccurate the alleged claim that there has been a court case between the NUJ and the Plateau State Publishers Association over any dispute, maintaining that no such matter has been brought before the courts to their knowledge.
They therefore questioned the basis of the alleged attacks on the NUJ Chairman, particularly the claim that she has deliberately sidelined chapels in an attempt to perpetuate herself in office.
According to the journalists, Mrs. Pwaspo was duly elected alongside her executive committee and has served for the past three years. They noted that her leadership has received the support and endorsement of journalists across the state, which they said demonstrates confidence in her administration.
The journalists further rejected insinuations that the NUJ Chairman is working against the Plateau State Government or belongs to any political camp, stressing that journalism is a profession that demands objectivity, independence, fairness and responsible reporting.
They urged Mr. Daman to exercise restraint, verify information and use established professional channels to ventilate any genuine grievances rather than making allegations on social media that could damage the reputation of individuals and institutions.
They also advised him, particularly as someone related to the First Family of Plateau State, to conduct himself with decorum and responsibility, noting that public statements capable of generating unnecessary controversy could inadvertently embarrass the government and the people of the state.
The journalists called for an end to the politicization of professional journalism and urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and responsible communication in resolving disagreements.
They stressed that differences within the media profession are normal but should be addressed through the appropriate structures of the NUJ and other recognised mechanisms rather than through personal attacks and unverified allegations.
The group finally appealed to members of the public and the wider media community to disregard unverified claims and allow relevant professional institutions to address genuine grievances through established channels.
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