From JIDAUNA YANUNG, Abuja
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution the Minister of Works and Housing, Engr. David Umahi, for walking out on journalists.
It would be recalled that the minister walked out many journalists who were seated waiting for his arrival for a scheduled press briefing called by the minister.
NUJ, in a strong worded press statement by its chairman and secretary, Osadebamwen Osaretin and Ochiaka Ugwu, insisted that the minister’s behavior was a case of not having regard for journalists.
“For the avoidance of doubt, some of the media correspondents present at the press briefing for which the ministry has scheduled for 2pm and for which the Minister came at 2.48pm, are those from Punch, Tribune, The NIGERIA STANDARD, Vanguard and many others.”
The statement stressed further that “The minister owes a duty to Nigerians through the press, therefore, he should demonstrate respect and utmost courtesy if not the media would be persuaded to boycott his activities.
“To treat members of the press with such condescension is unbecoming. A minister is appointed to serve and not to be an emperor,” the statement concludes.
