The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been thrown into fresh controversy following what many describe as a brazen assault on press freedom by its chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe.
Last week, Oyowe stunned colleagues when he wielded the axe against journalists who dared to question his leadership style, yanking them out of the council’s official WhatsApp platform. His action, which many have likened to the high-handedness of a “dictator in a newsroom,” has triggered widespread condemnation among members.
The crisis began after a member posted comments criticizing the suspension of the council’s secretary, Comrade Victor Sorokwu, over alleged corruption linked to the NUJ Secretariat investor. Instead of tolerating dissent, Oyowe reportedly bared his fangs, first targeting seasoned journalist and former Pointer editor, Mr. Julius Oweh; Comrade Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata, Chairman of the Federal Information Chapel; and immediate past NAWOJ chairperson, Comrade Patricia Gbemudu.
Their “offense”? Advising the chairman that expelling members was an unprofessional attack on free speech. Oweh, for instance, cautioned: “This WhatsApp group belongs to journalists. Removing members is an attack on press freedom. I may not like what you are saying, but I will defend your right to say it.”
Oyowe, however, would have none of it. Like an emperor intolerant of opposition, he not only suspended the trio but also earlier removed State Correspondents of New Telegraph, Dominic Adewole Igbekoyi, and Radio Nigeria’s Oghenero Eghweree.
Observers say it is ironic — and tragic — that a journalist, whose sacred duty is to defend freedom of expression, is now being accused of gagging the very press he swore to protect.
“The heavens do not fall when journalists criticize governors, ministers, or even the president,” one member lamented. “Why should a council chairman see himself as untouchable?”
The development has sparked calls for urgent intervention. The Pond News is urging the national leadership of the NUJ, alongside defenders of press freedom worldwide, to rein in Oyowe before the Delta council descends fully into dictatorship.
The axiom remains clear: anyone who cannot stand criticism has no business holding public office.
For many, the only honorable path left for Oyowe is resignation.