CSOs Calls For Legislation To Back NUJ Against Quackery

Benin city - In a bid to stamp out  unprofessionalism in the practice of  journalism in the country, Edo Civil Society Organization has called for a legislation to back the operations of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The group, a network of civil society groups in Edo state said the legal framework will regulate the establishment and running of media outfits as well as prosecute anyone found to have violated the laws guiding the profession as application in other relevant profession.

The spokesman for the group, Leftist Osaze Edigin who made the call in an exclusive Chat midweek with The Nigerian Observer in Benin city, said journalism practice in the country has been hijacked by quacks, hence the need for urgent steps to sanitize the profession.

According to him, "Journalism should truly be a practice that is regulated and filled with professionals with requisite training to practice. This regulation must be backed by an Act of parliament with severe penalties for those found wanting.

"The Act should make provision for a commission and also provide guidelines to owning or running a publication outfit whether offline or online within Nigeria.

"The Nigerian Union of Journalists should have the legal powers to do proper coordination of members who must have met the criteria for practice just like the Nigerian Medical Association, Nigerian Bar Association."

The group spokesperson however maintained that "only" a law regulating media practice in Nigeria can reposition NUJ to take its pride of place in the polity.


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