*NUJ PRESS CENTRE SAGA: EX-CHAIRMAN BEN OSUAGWU APPEALS TO GOV UZODINMA, POLICE COMMISSIONER TO INTERVENE*
By Ella Michaels
Owerri, Imo State - November 30, 2024
A former Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ben Osuagwu, has called on Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the Police Commissioner in Imo State to intervene in the purported closure and sale of the NUJ Press Centre in Owerri.
In a press release, Osuagwu condemned the move to sell the Press Centre, describing it as "outrageous and insulting" to journalists in Imo State and across the country. He wondered how some individuals could claim to sell the Press Centre after collecting money from some people.
Osuagwu recalled that the Imo NUJ Press Centre was given to journalists in Imo State by former Military Governor, Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh, under his leadership, with all official documents and titles. He argued that the Press Centre is a monument for journalists east of the Niger and should not be sold.
The former NUJ chairman appealed to Governor Uzodinma and the Police Commissioner to stop the "radicality" of those individuals and allow the matter to be resolved in court. He emphasized that the era of imperialism is over and that being elected into office does not make one an emperor.
Osuagwu concluded by saying "no" to the illegal and criminal sale of the Imo NUJ Press Centre and urged Governor Uzodinma not to allow this to happen during his tenure as governor.
