JOURNALIST GBANDE’S PETITION: WHAT THE NUJ CONSTITUTION PROVIDES AND THE PLACE OF FREELANCE IN THE UNION (FOR THE RECORD)

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has taken its time to provide for itself firmly, a Constitution for the purpose of promoting good leadership and welfare of members on the principle of freedom of expression, rule of Law and social justice.

And by its enactment, the Constitution shall be supreme and binding on all Organs, Officers and Members of the Union.

From the allegations in the petition raised, written and addressed to the leadership of the NUJ, that is now making the rounds in Plateau State, it is expected that, the authorities meant to handle the issue(s) must note that:

Article 7 on Discipline provides as below, concerning Procedure:

1. Where a complaint has been made against a particular Journalist, the Journalists shall be notified of such a complaint in writing and given at least twenty one (21) days notice within which he shall prepare his defence and appear before the committee.
2. Where the complaint is on a member of the Committee, he shall not sit in the hearing of the complaint by the committee.

On the other hand, Article 3 on Membership of the NUJ, the Constitution provides that, FREELANCE JOURNALISTS can only speak in a meeting, but cannot vote or be voted for.

ARTICLE 3 READS:

1a. A person shall not be a member of the Union, except if registered by the National Secretary of the Union on the recommendation of the State Council.

2a. In addition to the provision in Article 3(1), a person to be qualified shall also posses a minimum of Diploma and cognate experience in Journalism or Mass Communication obtained from recognized institution, with a working experience of not less than 12 Months in a recognized media establishment.

2b. A person shall be entitled to be registered as a Journalist, if he has not less than five years experience as a Journalist prior to the Nigerian Press Council Act 85 of 1992.

3a. Associate Membership shall also be accorded to all veteran Journalists and Journalists operating on FREELANCE BASIS.

3b. Such members shall have the right to attend and speak at meetings of the Union, but shall not vote or be voted for.

The Union shall however, have the right to exclude such persons from meetings where sensitive matters are to be discussed.

3c. A Journalist who moves out of the profession after Seven (7) years of active practice shall be accorded his length of service period in the profession, If such a person decides to return to Journalism practice.