Ahead of the National Delegates Conference/Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) later this month in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Senator Shehu Sani, who once represented Kaduna Central district in the Red chamber, has pledged support for News Express Regional Editor (North), Garba Muhammad Project (GMP), who is a leading presidential aspirant.
At the flag-off of the Kaduna State GMP campaign, held at the NUJ secretariat, in the state capital on Monday, Sani called on delegates from the state to the election to ensure that the state takes the union to greater heights with its member at the helms of affairs.
While lauding Muhammad’s leadership abilities, Sani, who was represented by Mohammed Suleiman, added that it is important that the candidate from the state becomes NU president going by the role the council has played in the practice of the profession in time past.
Reacting to the statement of the aspirant to promote the security of NUJ members by pushing and ensuring that the laws are put in place to protect their lives and properties, the senator said: “I recall that there was a time at a conference of NUJ when journalists were attacked and some injured. That prompted me to push for the significant of the Freedom of Information Bill.
“Kaduna is like Lagos in terms of journalism and, for decades, the state has remained at the forefront of the profession in northern Nigeria”.
On why he is backing Muhammad’s candidacy, the Managing Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation, Ahmed Maiyaki said he had known the aspirant for years and believed that, as national leader of the NUJ, the interests and welfare of members would be paramount, while also encouraging the promotion of professionalism in the practice.
Maiyaki recalled: “I know how he helped the family of one of our colleagues after he died.
“He helped the family to source for refund of a Hajj seat, which money got stolen in the custody of late Sahabi in his car boot.
“He is still helping the family today. And for this and more, I believe members will be better for it”.
