The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State chapter, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, has berated Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led Anambra State government for ‘permanently shutting down’ an old state-owned newspaper outfit – Anambra Printing Corporation, publishers of National Light Newspapers.
Odogwu in a statement on Tuesday described the permanent closure of the corporation with about 100 staff members as “injustice”.
He said Governor Soludo “is employing other workers but today he shut down National Light Newspapers permanently”.
“We are yet to see his reasons,” he added.
“Those handling the letter of closure were under close surveillance. But, we are waiting for its contents to be made open.”
The Anambra State chapter of NUJ in its July Congress described Governor Soludo’s closure of National Light Newspapers as “wicked and without human face towards journalists.”
The State NUJ in the Congress’ communique signed by its state chairman, Odogwu and secretary, Aloysius Ofodile, condemned the state government’s move to terminate the appointments of journalists working with the newspaper.
”Congress frowned on the reckless manner in which National Light Newspapers’ issue is being handled and called on the staff to be absorbed in the Ministry of Information as anything contrary to the welfare of workers shall boomerang.
“Congress frowned on the ill-treatment of journalists by the Prof Soludo-led administration which led to his shutting down National Light Newspapers without any reason made public, thus portraying his government as wicked and without a human face.
“Congress could not understand why Soludo’s government was busy employing other workers but cannot allow less than 100 workers at National Light be, even if he doesn’t want to hire more workers or turn around the organization,” part of the communique read.
Odogwu said that despite denials by the government that National Light Newspapers have not been shut down permanently, it was finally confirmed on Friday, July 21, 2023, as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Chief Chuka Nnabuife, at the close of work received a letter of closure of business from the state governor.
“That means that the organization is no longer known to the Anambra State Government.
“The letter sent wrong signals amidst tension but we have asked journalists working with the organization to stay calm until the details are made available to them.
“Since this mission to shut down National Light began, the staff haven’t been briefed on the plans of the government. They are at a loss till date aside from the fact that the government brings N10 million every month as running costs.
“History is indeed made as the first Professor to govern Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo shut down National Light, the flagship Newspaper of Eastern Nigeria employing about 100 families is shut when other states in the South East are investing on their own state Newspapers.
“Let it be on record that Chief Chuka Nnabuife superintended a once vibrant organization with 97 staff, 3 retiring this year and 10 retiring before the next 2 years, but only succeeded in digging the grave for the burial of National Light Newspapers today. He was on for 8 years of appointment and about 2 years of debriefing for its obituary.
“He kept all information to himself, planned for his own exit strategy, yet, allowed his subjects to be swallowed by the sudden but calculated irrational decision. Does a General allow his men to perish in battle? Journalists in National Light Newspapers may perish, without their general?”
Odogwu recalled that as journalists rose in defence of the planned closure and sacking of journalists working in National Light, the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Paul Nwosu defended the Soludo-led administration and accused the NUJ Chairman of boycotting due diligence in reporting a sensitive thing yet to be finalised at Exco, and asked him to apologise.
“What’s happening now? This humiliating stance of trained journalists and others happened in the era of Barr Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, as Head of Service and Mrs Collette Nwajiani, as Chairman of Anambra State Civil Service Commission.
“I was expecting Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Sylva Chika Ifemeje, to advise them on this mission but we are waiting for Tuesday to see exactly all the contents. For me, it’s confirmation having seen.
“Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, hasn’t said a word either, even when National Light is an establishment of the law.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress is equally watching to determine the level of hatred for journalists that other professionals are being employed in thousands but a fewer number of exciting workers for years were sacked without hiss.
“Why would the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, not be worried over this National Light Newspapers? She has kept mute in the face of outright injustice against 100 workers at National Light Newspapers, yet people who were workers for decades will suddenly be thrown to the labour market afresh jobless,” Odogwu said.