Press Release
Unauthorised but illegal splinter media groups in Akwa Ibom State risk sanctions by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
This follows mushrooming of different media groups from the three Senatorial Districts in the state by members of the union using pseudo names to extort from some political office holders and unsuspecting members of the public.
A statement by the Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, the State Secretary of the union on Thursday, drew attention to the rapid proliferation of unauthorized splinter media groups in the state.
The statement entitled: Final warning on unauthorized, unrecognized unconstitutional media (splinter) groups reminded members and the public of a long-standing resolution of the union which categorically bans, condemns, rejects, and disassociates itself from these unregulated and unprofessional formations.
Also read: Rising Media Groups in Akwa Ibom Calls for Concern
According to it, the Akwa Ibom State Council had communicated another reminder on the position of the National Secretariat in a resolution of the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held on 29 September, 2020, pronouncing automatic sanction on members found to aid, belong to or identify with these groups.
‘‘Furthermore, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NUJ, at its meeting held in Kano in September 2025, under the leadership of the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, reaffirmed and reinforced the ban on members’ involvement in any unauthorised media groupings, at any level.
‘‘Members who are in these splinter groups should quit immediately as the Union will not hesitate to act decisively. Consequently, the Union warns, cautions, and places on strict notice that any member found identifying with, supporting, or participating in the activities of any splinter group, groups, forum, fora or any nomenclature whatsoever shall without recourse to any debate face the weight of the law, through a firm disciplinary action in accordance with the NUJ constitutional provisions.
‘‘Members of the public, government agencies, security institutions, corporate and religious organizations are encouraged to desist from engaging in or transacting with such unregulated groups, as they lack professional standing and accountability. But you are encouraged to engage, and conduct all media-related dealings strictly through the NUJ platform, which guarantees professionalism, ethical journalism, and credible reportage anchored on globally accepted standards.
‘‘The NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council remains committed to responsible journalism, developmental reporting, and sustained partnership in advancing the Akwa Ibom project and national development,’’ the statement added.
