Breaking: Taraba NUJ Correspondents' Chapel to boycott all govt. functions

From Victor Gai, Jalingo

In an unprecedented move, members of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Taraba state, have resolved to boycott all government activities including the much touted Taraba International Investors Summit as well as the President's visit scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday. 

Rising from an emergency meeting at the Chapel office in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital on Tuesday, the members accused the Taraba government for deliberately sidelining the press during major state functions.

In a communique signed by chairman of the three-man communique drafting committee, Charles Akpeji, the Chapel expressed outrage over the government’s failure to accredit its members for coverage of the high-profile Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) and the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

Describing the action as a calculated attempt to gag the press, the union unequivocally condemned what it labeled a blatant disregard for press freedom and transparency.

The Chapel subsequently announced an immediate and indefinite boycott of all Taraba State Government activities

As part of its resolution, the union passed a vote of no confidence in the Taraba State Commissioner for Information,  Barrister Zainab Usman Jalingo. 

This followed a statement credited to her regarding the invitation of accredited journalists for a road walk—an event from which members of the Correspondents’ Chapel were excluded.

The union also reassured citizens of Taraba State of its unwavering commitment to its watchdog role.

Furthermore, the resolution affirmed that journalists will continue to report on issues affecting citizens and will hold the government accountable—regardless of intimidation or exclusion.