Publishers of Community newspapers in Kogi state have assured of their commitment to unbiased reporting.
The Publishers under the aegis of Federated Chapel of the state NUJ, gave the commitment following the release of their member, Friday Ogungbemi who on Governor Yahaya Bello’s order was detained by the Department of state security services for five days.
In a statement issued in Lokoja, signed by Gideon Ayodele, Secretary of the chapel, they said the chapel members have been strengthened by the detention of their colleague. They described the incident as most unfortunate.
The Chapel said they will ensure professionalism in their reportage and called on the government to accept constructive criticism as part of governance.
The statement commended all men of good conscience who intervened during the detention of their member, commended particularly the National and state Executives of NUJ, and others for standing with the chapel in the fight for emancipation and independence of the journalism profession.
The Statement urge the detained publisher to see his ordeal as a price to pay in ensuring good governance for Kogi people and encouraged him not to be deterred, rather to always stand on the side of good over evil.
The Chapel said no amount of intimidation and blackmail would deter its members from speaking the truth at all times.
