By Jude Atupulazi
Journalists under the aegis of Anambra State Correspondents’ Chapel, journalists working for media houses based outside the state, have threatened to boycott the activities of the Anambra State Government due to what they term the nonchalant attitude of government officials.
In a statement signed by the chapel’s chairman, Chuks Ilozue, and secretary, Tochukwu Ifejika, the group announced its decision after reviewing its relationship with the government.
According to the statement, “Despite several correspondences over the past two years, we have observed a serious lacuna in the relationship between the chapel and the government.
‘This includes the Administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo; Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu; and the Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime.
The Correspondents’ Chapel, which is among other chapels covering the state government activities, expressed frustration over the government’s lack of cooperation and responsiveness to their requests.
The statement highlighted several instances of disregard by government officials, including the failure to respond to inquiries, ignoring requests for interviews, and excluding journalists from important events.
The chapel also lamented the lack of access to information, which has hindered their ability to report accurately and effectively on government activities.
The statement accused the government of showing disdain for the media, citing instances of unconscionable attitude.
The Correspondents’ Chapel emphasized that their role was to hold the government accountable and provide a platform for the voices of citizens to be heard.
However, the government’s actions, it said, had made it challenging for them to perform their duties, leading to the decision to boycott government activities.
The chapel therefore called on the government to address their grievances and engage in a more constructive relationship with the media.
If the issues are not resolved, the Correspondents’ Chapel has vowed to extend their boycott to all government activities, including press conferences and official events.
The development has sparked concerns among media stakeholders, who fear that the boycott could lead to a breakdown in communication between the government and the public.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the correspondents’ demands and whether a resolution can be reached to restore a positive working relationship between the media and the government.
Should the correspondents carry out their threat, it will be the second time such would happen. During the late Gov Chinwoke Mbadinuju Administration, journalist covering the Government House had declared a one-week boycott of government’s activities, that time, occasioned by an alleged brutalization of one of them, by security agents at Government House. Mbadinuju who was attending a meeting in Abuja, had cut short his stay there and flown back to convene a meeting with the striking journalist at the Government Lodge where the issue was amicably resolved.
Mbadinuju, despite his failings as governor, is regarded till date as the most media friendly governor in the state in his personal capacity, while the Peter Obi Administration is regarded as the best in government-media relationship. The regime of the immediate past Dr Willie Obiano is regarded as not so good, even though Obiano was viewed as a good man.
