The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has dismissed claims that journalists in the state are being harassed by the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing the allegation as unfounded, politically motivated and at variance with the union’s relationship with the government.
The union’s reaction followed a statement credited to the Oluyede Campaign Council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which accused the Oyebanji-led administration of pressuring journalists and attempting to suppress unfavourable reports.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chairman, NUJ Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, the union expressed concern over what it described as an unwarranted attempt by the campaign council to drag the NUJ into partisan politics.
The council described the move as a meddlesome interference in the affairs of an independent professional body, warning political actors against seeking relevance by invoking the name of the NUJ in their campaign narratives.
According to the statement, any individual or group with grievances against the state government should pursue appropriate and lawful channels rather than attempting to enlist the union as a tool in political rivalry.
The NUJ reaffirmed that its engagement with the Ekiti State Government is based on strategic dialogue, mutual respect and democratic interaction, not on confrontation instigated from outside its constituted structures.
While reiterating its commitment to holding public office holders accountable through balanced, factual and ethical reportage, the union cautioned against inflammatory statements capable of undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.
The council further warned the PDP and its members to desist from appropriating the union’s voice for political advantage, stressing that it would resist any attempt to politicise its mandate.
It advised political campaign teams to focus on issue-based and legitimate political engagement rather than dragging the NUJ into partisan contests, insisting that the union would not serve as a platform for political battles.
Reassuring the public of its neutrality, the NUJ maintained that it would continue to operate with professionalism, fairness and responsibility, undeterred by external pressure or political provocation.
The union emphasized that it remains a professional, non-partisan body committed to ethical journalism, press freedom and the welfare of its members, and should not be drawn into partisan disputes.
