The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, has condemned verbal attack TVC correspondent in the State, Rafiu Hammed over his report on the closure of primary health centres in the State.
The Union described the attack as a calculated attempt by the Government to gag the media professionals from doing their jobs.
A statement by the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu and Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin indicated that Rafiu Hammed was doing his professional responsibilities since the reported event was a News Conference and not a special report .
The statement noted that the press release by the Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr. Akindele Adekunle was in bad taste.
It hinted that the media has responsibilities of covering press conferences of any group and its behoves on the Special Adviser to call for his own Press Conference to refute claims of the group rather than accusing Journalist that covered the press briefing.
The statement maintained that the press in line with section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as amended has the responsibility of holding those in government accountable and media in Osun State would not succumb to pressure by public office holders in the discharge of its responsibilities.
It enjoined those in political offices to always see media as purveyor of democratic governance, political growth and development rather than a political opponent.
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