Media Relations Consultant ,Chief Fidel Onyeneke has appealed to Journalists and other Media practitioners to desist from acts that will bring the journalism profession to disrepute.
Chief Onyeneke made the appeal in Owerri on Monday while reacting to the recent bickering amongst the members of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) in Imo state which had negatively threatened the reputation of the body.
He said that no matter the level of provocation, the interest of the Union remained paramount,and as such must be jealously guarded and protected.
Chief Onyeneke stressed that issues affecting the Union could be amicably resolved in the interest of professionalism.rather than washing dirty linings in the public.”if we destroy the reputation of the journalism profession people will no longer have respect and regard for us”he stated.
He cautioned the Journalists to be mindful of the fact that if NUJ is destroyed,detractors would capitalize on the warring situation to barstadise the noble profession and take undue advantage of the practitioners.
On the agitation by some Journalists in Imo state following the last council election of the union,Chief Onyeneke called for patience and peace especially as the case was before a court of competent jurisdiction.
He urged the aggrieved journalists to shun violence and unguarded utterances while the case is being resolved. Chief Onyeneke also expressed happiness that the Elders Forum of the Union had looked into the case, and advised the various parties to embrace peace. The former State Chairman and National Trustee of NUJ reminded journalists that the media practice could only be enhanced in.an atmosphere of harmony,peace and unity.
He called for spirit of forgiveness among journalists adding that the practitioners would no longer enjoy the confidence of the masses when.they are at war with each other.Chief Onyeneke called for team work and oneness among media professionals as they render efficient services to the society.
He reminded them that as the watchdog of the society,journalists more live above board in their behaviour in all its ramifications, since they serve as role models to others. Chief Onyeneke urged the Journalists not to play into the hands of certain individuals who would want to use them to perpetuate crack in the profession.
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