The coalition of Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (COMJAN), has risen from an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital last week, condemning in strong terms the unethical behaviour of some Maritime Media Practitioners that go by the name Nigeria Maritime Journalists Forum which COMJAN claimed has continuously made it her stock in trade to carrying out reportage based on unverified, unfounded and baseless speculations aimed to put an undue pressure on their alleged personalities without recourse to the norms and ethics of journalism profession with the intention to extort and cajole alleged personalities for gratification.
COMJAN sees Journalism as a respected profession and the watchdog of the society, also referred to as the fourth estate of the realm which is basically to inform, educate, entertain and enlighten the public.
COMJAN went further to posit that “in view of the above, the profession should not be a tool to intimidate, coarse and harass for gratification” insisting that “the profession rewards the genuine practitioners who render services in line with the norms and values tailored towards societal sustainability.”
The Coalition noted that it was aware of some journalists and irresponsible acclaimed writers who parade themselves in the corridors of the maritime industry feigning to be relevant, whereas in practice of the profession they are not, adding that “it is only in their figment of imagination that they think putting baseless allegations on personalities, maritime organizations and government officials would make them relevant and get rich quick.”
But the coalition averred that “our members are credible media practitioners who are tested, trusted and proven over decades with our Maritime journalism experiences spanning over 25 to 30 years.”
And wonder why those who could be referred to as “neophytes and glorified vendors turned jaundiced Magazine publishers too soon could cast aspersions on the well known Maritime Journalists.”
Insisting that “Coalition stands to challenge any of those Voodoo writers to show their works”, vowed that Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria is not going to let this misdemeanor continue aimed to tarnish the hard earned reputation of members even as the association has pledged its unalloyed confidence in and collaboration with all the leadership of the Nigeria Customs formations in the south – East and South – South geopolitical zones which have witnessed a renewed vigor and spirited effects aimed to consolidate and create more innovations in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi MFR and such has propelled the Onne customs command to redouble her efforts and strategies to generate more revenue, for the nation, suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, improve trade facilitation in accordance with the CGC’s vision.
The Association also commended the leadership qualities of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA Onne Seaport chapter, ably led by Mr. Mike Ebeatu, reiterating that Ebeatu since assumption of office few years ago, has enforced discipline, due process and fiscal policies of the Federal government on imports and exports clearance procedures with the view to being in the same page with the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Surfice it to say that Ebeatu’s leadership qualities at Onne has created needed robust leadership and strategies with customs agents, stakeholders and even media practitioners and such has ensured human capital development, improved health care for members, provision of free transportation for members, renovation of ANLCA Secretariat and creation of new ANLCA Lounge at the FOT gate, including resolution of disputes on grey areas in cargo documentation and clearance at Onne Seaport and the federal operations unit Zone C. Owerri.
Therefore, the coalition hereby call on all stakeholders in the maritime industry, captains of industries, Government Agencies to be wary and verify the clandestine activities of those self acclaimed Media Practitioners whose their so called very proud President was once arrested, detained due to the same blackmail, unverified and unethical reportage against a former Customs Area Controller, Area 1 Customs Command, Compt. Adeogun, ( Rtd) under Mr. Kalio as the Chairman NUJ Rivers State chapter, which members of COMJAN then swiftly rescued from being jailed.
We believe that “what causes the smelling shrew to ooze out and spoil the air is in its blood”.
“And those characters need to be thoroughly examined.”
Written By Bon Peters,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
