The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has slammed one of its members, Mr Treasure Otiti, of the Ughelli Correspondents’ Chapel for contradicting and misrepresenting the statements made by a 2023 governorship aspirant in the state, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
Olorogun Gbagi had on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba, briefed over one hundred journalists from across Delta State, on his ambition to occupy the Dennis Osadebey House come 2023.
However, contrary to the strong views canvassed by Gbagi on the reasons why he is in the governorship race, Otiti Treasure went ahead to misquote him by posting on his Facebook page, “New IGP is a thief says Gbagi” and “Okowa is not an industrialist inclined – Gbagi”.
A statement signed by the chairman, Delta NUJ, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and the state Secretary, Comrade Patrick Ochei, said, “We want to put on record that Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi’s verbal comments and answers to questions asked by journalists were simple, clear, unambiguous and coherent.
“He(Gbagi) never at any point made mention of the new IGP who was incidentally decorated that same day to assume office.
“The only person that Gbagi took to the task was former Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, who he said tried to embarrass him like a common criminal over the allegation of stripping some female workers naked.
“Again, Gbagi never referred to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as not inclined to industry. He eulogized Senator Okowa as one of the iconic politicians the State had ever produced who had performed enormously as Governor, adding that Okowa that he knew would prefer to handle over the reign of leadership to somebody who is capable of consolidating on the things he has achieved.
“He, therefore, went further to describe Okowa as a strict administrator who has been able to achieve a lot by being prudent, while describing himself as an industrialist who will on coming on board as Governor, would easily be able to carry on from where Okowa had stopped.
“Those were the statements of Gbagi in line with the posts made by Otiti. He was recorded and those who listened keenly could also attest to these facts.
“The Union now imagines with sobriety where and at what point were the statements made by Chief Gbagi as credited to him by Otiti.”
The union in the statement said it will not condone such unethical practice henceforth as it takes serious exception to members coming to NUJ events to exhibit unprofessional conducts and by extension discourage friends of the Union from deepening their relationship with journalists in the state.
“This warning also goes to every registered practising journalist in the State to be cautious and mindful of how they allow the public to assess and evaluate them.
“We will not gag any journalist from reporting any event or any individual, but when such reportage becomes an element of malignity and less of professional standard, we will not hesitate to wield the big stick.
“We want to assure the general public that at the appropriate time, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Union will further investigate this matter with a view to advising the SWC on the proper decision to take,” said the statement.
