Chris Isiguzo, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), has called on Nigerians to rally behind the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the country’s challenges predate his tenure.

Isiguzo made this appeal during a special congress of the Abia State NUJ Council in Umuahia on Tuesday. He emphasized that since Tinubu has been declared the duly elected President following the election result and the Supreme Court’s verdict, it is essential for Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism by supporting the Federal Government’s policies.

The NUJ President urged citizens to exercise patience and have faith in the Tinubu administration. He highlighted that Tinubu did not create the problems facing Nigeria and has only been in office for a short time.

Isiguzo also cautioned journalists in Nigeria against publishing materials that could harm the country. He advised them to maintain professionalism in their duties to avoid running afoul of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Act. He noted that offensive articles or publications may lead to legal consequences, as the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Act, despite being regarded as objectionable, has not yet been repealed by the National Assembly.

Isiguzo revealed that he recently intervened to secure the release of journalists who were arrested in various states due to their published reports.

While commending the NUJ leadership in Abia State for promoting peace, Isiguzo announced that the national leadership of NUJ is in the process of establishing a National Media Complaint Commission. This co-regulatory body will provide a platform for reporting journalists who publish offensive material, rather than resorting to detaining them.