Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Sokoto State chapter, has decried the consistent harassment of its members by security agencies in the course of their constitutional duties.
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Labaran Dundaye and Usman Binji, respectively, at the end of its monthly congress in Sokoto, yesterday.
It made reference to the embarrassment of journalists by a retired police officer at the turbaning of Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives as Mutawallen Sokoto on September 27.
The communiqué stated that as 2015 general election was approaching, journalists should abide by the ethics of the profession in their reportage.
It urged newsmen to avoid mudslinging in order to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections and their safety by security agencies.
The union appealed to the state government and security agencies to bring to a halt the activities of political thugs, popularly known as area boys in the state.
It also noted with dismay how these thugs move freely, “brandishing and attacking” innocent citizens with locally-made weapons.
It also decried the influx of fake journalists into the state, and called on people in the state to contact the state council to avoid being duped.
The congress rejoiced with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, over his recent ranking as the 18th most influential Muslim leader in the world.
The union commended the sultan for promoting peace and unity across the country and beyond.
It also commended the state government for the recent approval by Governor Aliyu Wamakko for the rehabilitation of the NUJ Press Centre in Sokoto.