The Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has distanced itself from the claims of Mr. Chinonso Uba, also known as Nonso Nkwa, who has been falsely presenting himself as a journalist.
In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, and the Secretary, Comrade Treasure Ihechi-Nwamah, the union condemned the actions of individuals posing as journalists to create disorder in the community. The statement highlighted that Mr. Uba, along with others, has played a significant role in causing unrest in the state. The NUJ warned that any attempts to tarnish the union’s image under the guise of journalism would face legal consequences.
The statement read, “It has come to the attention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State Council of the activities of some persons who parade themselves as journalists and by extension, Imo NUJ members.
“We have noticed that the activities of these impostors are to say the least, inciting and in no small measure have directly and indirectly aided the promotion of insecurity in our state, Imo.
“Among these said persons is one Mr. Chinonso Uba, also known as Nonso Nkwa, who we have on our record is not a journalist by training; hence not a member of Imo NUJ.”
Further clarifying their stance, the NUJ expressed that the leadership and membership of the Imo State NUJ disassociate themselves from the actions of Nonso Nkwa, holding him accountable for his conduct.
“Therefore, we want to use this medium to once again, disassociate the leadership and the entire members of Imo NUJ from the activities of the said Nonso Nkwa.
“We also wish to state that Nonso Nkwa should be held responsible for his actions and inactions; and such should not be linked to Imo NUJ or journalists in the state furthermore.”
The union pointed to a recent attack on the offices of NOUN and JAMB in the Ehime Mbano LGA as an example of actions wrongly associated with their profession. They stressed that such acts linked to individuals falsely claiming to be journalists were “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
“Imo NUJ condemned in its entirety of inciting the youths against the Imo Government, security agencies and Imo citizens at large.
“This notice is for the benefit of the General public and for whom it may concern,” the statement concluded.