Press Freedom Day: Cross River TUC felicitates NUJ; condemns sharp practices in employment and promotions in state civil service, MDAs
As journalists all over the world celebrate the 2024 world Press Freedom Day instituted by the United Nations and observed on 3rd May of every year to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press as well as remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.
The marking of today 3rd May, 2024 is also a moment of reflection for media professionals on the fundamental principles that ought to be in place to elevate press freedom around the world and defend the independence of the media from external influencers like governments.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) the umbrella body of all trade union groups in the state has felicitated the Cross River State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on this auspicious occasion and urged the media body to expose in their reporting the unwholesome practices going on in the employment and promotion of public workers in the Cross River State Civil Service.
On Friday, Comrade Monday Ogbodum, KSJ, Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Cross River State Council informed pressmen about the secret employment going on in the State Civil Service contrary to the laid down procedure to fill vacant positions in the state public service. with appeal to stop the unwholesome practices by Ministries, Boards and Agencies -MDA’s in the State. According to him, promotions in the State Civil Service is for the highest bidder.
And doubling down, Ogbodum said the practice has seriously affected service delivery as one cannot see his/her colleague whom they have been on the same grade/rank suddenly promoted to the next level simply because the colleague cannot afford the amount to secure the promotion. He called on journalists as the fourth estate of the realm to implore the government and all relevant government agencies to conduct recruitment and promotion interviews according to International Best Practices in the State to enhance workplace harmony and bolster the Civil Service which is the engine-room of government.
He concluded by calling on the federal, state and local governments to honour the theme of this year’s May Day Celebration “PEOPLE’S FIRST” to pay living wages to workers and clear back-log of pensions and gratuities which is appropriate at this critical time of the nation’s history.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
