Taraba Correspondents’ Chapel to boycott all government activities, describes information commissioner as misfit

By Uhuru Samuel Adaji, Jalingo

The Taraba State Government has come under intense criticism following a sweeping condemnation by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), which accused the state of deliberately sidelining the press during major state functions.

In a strongly worded resolution passed during an emergency congress, the Chapel expressed outrage over the government’s failure to accredit its members for coverage of the high-profile Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) and the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state.

Describing the action as a calculated attempt to gag the press, the union unequivocally condemned what it labeled as blatant disregard for press freedom and transparency.

The Chapel subsequently announced an immediate and indefinite boycott of all Taraba State Government activities.

As part of its resolution, the union passed a vote of no confidence in the Taraba State Commissioner for Information, Zainab Usman Jalingo whom they described as a misfit.

This followed a statement credited to her regarding the invitation of accredited journalists for a road walk—an event from which members of the Correspondents’ Chapel were excluded.

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas

The union also reassured residents of Taraba State of its unwavering commitment to its watchdog role, adding that the exclusion of members of the Chapel from Government activities was an indication that the governor and members of his cabinet have hidden agenda.

Furthermore, the resolution affirmed that journalists will continue to report on issues affecting citizens and will hold the government accountable—regardless of intimidation or exclusion.

Our correspondent reports that members of the Chapel were not surprised by the action of Governor Kefas administration which they said has not constructed one kilometre of road and has no project to show for his two years in office.