The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has said political appointments related to the media and image managers should be strictly for journalists in line with best global practices.
According to the Federal Capital Territory council of the NUJ, this has become necessary in order to maintaining standard as well as adherence to best practice.
The NUJ also commended the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, for appointing a former president of the union, Mallam Muhammed Garba as his Chief of Staff and Chief Oliver Okpala, veteran journalist, as Senior Special Assistant, Public Enlightenment.
In a statement, the Secretary of the Council, Ochiaka Ugwu, emphasised that the appointment of Okpala was well deserved owing to his wealth of experience and competences spanning over forty years in the media industry.
The statement said: “We noticed a trend in the political recompose where vital image managing positions were given to non-journalists, but having given this important appointment to a versatile and cerebral journalist, like Chief Okpala. It shows your commitment in reversing the ugly drift for better to enhance professionalism.
“Recall that you also appointed former NUJ President, Mallam Muhammed Garba as your Chief of Staff and now Chief Oliver; it shows readiness to work with thoroughbred practitioners with the aim of promoting professionalism.”
The NUJ expressed optimism that Chief Okpala, who previously served governors and other top politicians in the same capacity would run issue-based media activities with his intellectual depth.
It said: “It should be known that as an ace broadcaster in different media organisations, Okpala raised the bar in areas of performance, integrity and credibility rating of Nigerian media.”
“We have no doubt that Chief Okpala will leave up to expectation given his track record as a thoroughbred professional and an innovative broadcaster who has spent over four decades in information dissemination, we believe that APC will greatly benefit from his spine of knowledge and experience gained over the years.”
Comrade Ochiaka eulogised the APC national chairman for the appointments, saying that it was an indication of his commitment to excellence and determination to take the party to the next level.
Ochaika said the NUJ would continue to partner with the APC national chairman to deepen the nation’s democracy.
He said: “As a union, we place high premium on the goodwill we received from proactive individuals like Ganduje, and hope this will evolve into a long term mutually beneficial relationship as we consider you our friend and partner in progress.