By Martin Opara
The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State chapter, has condemned and dissociated it’s self from a release purportedly signed and issued by their Chairperson, Barr. Vivian Otti and Secretary Chika Ewurum, claiming that NAWJO is not only in sympathy with, but also pledged unalloyed support and solidarity to the suspended factional chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State chapter, Chris Akaraonye and his group.
The association unequivocally stated that such watery and acrimonious statement that are figments of the warped and jaundiced imagination of the authors who take delight in playing to the gallery could not have emanated from NAWOJ “because we believe in due process. Besides, NAWOJ will not support any act or move that is not in line with the constitution of the Nigeria Union of Journalists”.
The release urged media practitioners and the general public to ignore and discountenance with such publications that claim to come from NAWOJ. “I am the only person who has the capacity to speak for NAWOJ and have not done so, neither have I assigned anybody to do so on my behalf. The perpetrators of this ignoble act are not only mischievous but also want to dent the good image of NAWOJ”.
Barr. Otti made this assertion, while responding to publications allegedly sponsored by the embattled Chris Akaraonye faction in some newspapers.
She warned anyone behind the misleading report to desist forthwith from using the name of NAWOJ in their futile attempt to wriggle out of self inflicted problems and obstacles, as any more such attempt will be viewed seriously by NAWOJ.
Recall that, Akaraonye, shortly after his suspension by the Elder Lambert Ojukwu Integrity Group of Imo NUJ that is considered by many journalists, as the authentic faction, in view of it’s popularity and mass acceptance, allegedly , sponsored a press release, in some newspapers, claiming that NAWOJ, not only pledged support and solidarity for his faction of NUJ, but also condemned his suspension.
