By Kenneth Onuoha
365Daily – The Imo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has disclosed that the correspondent of the Punch newspapers in the state, Mr Chidiebube Okeoma, is not a registered member of the union.
Okeoma allegedly claimed falsely that he was brutalised by policemen while filming some restricted quarters in Imo State Government House on Monday.
But the state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, debunked the claim, saying it was false claim and that Okeoma was working for the opposition to destabilise the state.
The NUJ, on Thursday, June 24, 2021, disclosed that an investigation by the union revealed that Okeoma is not a registered member of the union.
A statement issued by the union and signed by the Chairman, Comrade Chris Akaraonye and the Secretary, Juliet Dim, stated that some people who claim to practice journalism in Imo State are actually not members of the union.
The union warned Okeoma to desist from dragging the name of NUJ in the mud, adding that even Punch, which he claims to be reporting for, does not associate with NUJ as a body.
The release further hinted that if the latter continues with his unethical conduct, the union will make an official report to the management of Punch Newspapers and ensure he is adequately sanctioned.