Ondo NUJ Warns Politicians Against Harassing Journalists Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has warned politicians and political appointees against harassing, intimidating or interfering with journalists in the state as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Union issued the warning at its monthly Congress held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Pen Crescent, Alagbaka, Akure, where members deliberated on issues bordering on politics, the economy, agriculture, security, welfare and the forthcoming elections.
The Congress, presided over by the State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, was attended by members from various chapels across the state.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NUJ said it would defend its members against what it described as excesses by “overzealous politicians or political appointees,” warning against any attempt to intimidate journalists in the course of their professional duties.
The Union also specifically cautioned the Ondo State Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast, Kemi Adeniyi, to “exercise restraint” and avoid actions it considered overzealous in her dealings with professional journalists and cameramen covering the governor’s public engagements.
On the 2027 elections, the NUJ called on security agencies in the state to ensure the safety of journalists before, during and after the polls, while urging politicians to abide by the rules and refrain from making inciting statements capable of heating up the polity.
The Congress also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling quackery in the journalism profession, saying its Taskforce Against Fake Journalists remains in place and would work with security agencies to curb the activities of individuals allegedly parading themselves as journalists.
NUJ Backs Call for Lower Fuel Price, Higher Minimum Wage
The Ondo NUJ Congress also threw its weight behind the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) calling for measures to reduce the pump price of fuel to N500 per litre and increase the minimum wage in line with prevailing economic realities.
The Union further urged the Ondo State Government to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered mass transportation in Akure and other major towns across the state to reduce transportation costs for residents.
It, however, commended the state government for sustaining the free school shuttle scheme.
NUJ Raises Concern Over Shops Around Public Schools
The Congress also expressed concern over the indiscriminate location of shops along the perimeter fences and within the premises of public schools.
It called on the Ondo State Government to check the practice and ban the sale of alcoholic beverages and other related substances within the vicinity of public schools.
Ondo NUJ @50 Anniversary
Meanwhile, the Congress approved and unveiled the Ondo NUJ @50 Anniversary Logo, marking the commencement of preparations for the union’s golden jubilee anniversary and the 2026 Press Week celebrations.
The weeklong Press Week activities were approved to hold from Sunday, November 22 to Sunday, November 29, 2026.
The communiqué was signed by the State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack, on behalf of the Union.
The communiqué drafting committee comprised Hakeem Adebunmiti (PhD) of the Digital Media Chapel, Bayo Adediran of the Federated Chapel, and Ebunoluwa Akinroyeje of the OSRC/Orange FM Chapel.
