*Statement: Setting the Record Straight on Edo NUJ Neutrality*
*To the Public, Media Stakeholders, and Members of the NUJ Edo State Council*
Lately, there have been claims circulating that the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council will be biased in its coverage of the Edo South Senatorial primary election holding on Monday 18 May, 2026.
We take these claims seriously. Rumours damage trust. Facts rebuild it.
*Here are the facts:*
*1. NUJ Edo has no candidate*
The Union is not aligned with any aspirant, political party, or faction. Our only interest is the safety of journalists and the public’s right to accurate information.
*2. Clear rules are in place for this election*
Journalists are aware of the code of conduct covering the primaries. It prohibits:
– Accepting gifts from aspirants.
– Wearing political party insignia or identifying with any camp while on duty.
– Reporting unverified claims as fact.
Any member who violates this code will face disciplinary action under the NUJ Constitution.
*3. Complaints are investigated, not ignored*
We have a 3-member Ethics and Disciplinary Panel. Any complaint of bias received is reviewed immediately as findings are published to members. So far, no verified case of partisan reporting by accredited NUJ members has been substantiated.
We urge members of the public to ignore some social media alarmist trying to smear our highly valued profession.
*4. Our defense is our work*
Journalists accredited by Edo NUJ are instructed to:
– Give all sides a chance to respond.
– Report process and verifiable facts, not speculation
– Correct errors promptly and publicly.
If you believe an NUJ-accredited journalist has breached these standards, send evidence to the NUJ Edo Secretariat. We will act on it immediately.
*Our Commitment*
We will continue to protect journalists who report fairly and professionally. We will also hold to account any member who abandons professional standards.
The Union’s role is to strengthen democracy through responsible journalism, not to undermine it through partisanship.
We urge the public, political actors, and the media to judge us by our coverage, not by rumours.
Our primary duty is to Inform, Educate and Entertain.
We will continue to abide by the ethics of the Journalism profession without any form of intimidation or coercion.
*Signed*
Festus Alenkhe JP.,
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council
18 May, 2026.
