30th April, 2012
Out-pouring of grief and condolence messages have continued at the Edo NUJ Press centre by sympathisers who call daily to condole with the union over the loss of three of its members in an accident involving the convoy of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole last
Saturday.
Among those who have visited was the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Uyigue Igbe, Razaq Bello-Osagie, Member, Federal House of Representatives, Coalition of Save Nigeria (CSN), Youth Coalition Bodies for Oshiomhole and many other individuals, all who expressed sadness over the death of the journalists.
An ITV journalist, Mr. Chucks Ogu was also shot dead three weeks ago in Benin by unidentified gunmen. He will be buried this weekend.
Igbe promised to discuss with the Executive Arm of government to ensure that all journalists in the state were insured, given the high rate of insecurity in the job and in the country.
Leading members of the coalition was Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Founder of the Coalition and Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, who said, “The Coalition to Save Nigeria is very deeply concerned with the event of last Saturday in which a number of journalists were lost in an auto crash.
“We are marching this morning to commiserate with the
leadership of the NUJ in Edo State. This coincides with our earlier plan to stage a mournful march against insecurity and corruption in Nigeria. And so, this morning, the Coalition is taking that bold step
to send a very clear message to the political leadership in this country that if within a reasonable time, they do not proffer a solution to the problem of insecurity and corruption, we shall be marching to Aso Rock.”
While responding, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Obanor thanked the visitors for their concern.
He also urged politicians to see the safety of journalists as priority as the governorship election
approaches.
Obanor yesterday declared a one week of mourning for three of its members who lost their lives in a motor accident last Saturday.
The journalists, Olatunji Jacob and George Okosun both of the Independent Television and Radio, Benin City, and Fidelis Ohani, a camera man with AIT, died in an auto crash involving Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s convoy.
Comrade Obanor in a press statement, requested all journalists to wear black arm bands while mourning their departed colleagues.
Meanwhile, a church mass would take place today at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin where prayers would be said for the protection of journalists in the state in the daily discharge of their duties, especially during the coming governorship election in the state.
The service would be conducted by Rev. Father Angel Nwankwo of the St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Benin.
—Jethro Ibileke/Benin City