ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar has congratulated the newly elected President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Waheed Odusile.
In a statement released by his Media Office in Abuja on Sunday, the former Vice President said the time of the emergence of Odusile to lead the NUJ is significant and momentous in view of the mandate by Nigerians to President Muhammadu Buhari to enthrone change in the way they are being governed.
The former Vice President urged him to endeavour to key into the desire of the people of Nigeria for change and good governance and lead the body of Journalists to support the anti- corruption campaign of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Stressing that Nigerians need probity and transparency in public life, Atiku opined that the anti-corruption campaign would register tremendous success if the generality of journalists nationwide embrace the campaign and use their profession to further the goals of the government in this regard.
Secondly, Atiku advised the NUJ leader to take the controversial and vexed issue of welfare of journalists seriously. He said the NUJ President should strive to be different and active in working for better conditions of service and remuneration for working journalists and even the retired ones.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
He expressed the view that when the welfare needs of journalists who are watch men against corruption in society are taken care of, they would be better disposed to playing the critical roles expected of them as agents for good governance and accountability.
He said that the NUJ President could make progress on the welfare issue by mobilising support from government, the private sector and other critical stakeholders in the society. Atiku expressed optimism that Mr. Odusile would make a difference in this task given his wealth of experience and the positions he has occupied in the profession.