No plans to demolish the Edo NUJ building, says Edo State government

------ We have not issued any press statement to that effect, says Edo NUJ

By Isaac Eranga

The Edo State Government has debunked the rumour that the state government is making arrangement to occupy part of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat for the purpose of building a museum.

This was contained in a press release signed by Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation- Chris LSA Nehikhare. According to the release, "Edo State Government is aware of an unfortunate and highly misinforming report issued by the Edo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists titled: Obaseki plan to make Edo Journalists Homeless.

"There is no plan whatsoever to demolish the NUJ building nor build a museum on the NUJ site. The Edo state government is doing some initial survey and study work in connection with the preservation and protection of the walls and moats. The NUJ site borders some of the most visible sections of the walls and moats in the city, and  archaeologists and specialist architects have visited areas around the moats with a view to determining how best to assist National Commission of Museums and Monuments with the preservation of the moats.  

"The ancient walls and moats of Benin are one of the greatest achievements of medieval Africa, some of which date back to the 12th century. Unfortunately they have suffered significantly in recent times due to environmental pressures, urban growth and encroachment .

"EDSG is working with institutions like the NCMM and EMOWAA who are vested and interested  in improving our systems of heritage management, are developing a comprehensive programme of research, conservation management and public education centred on these monuments.

"Our goal is to find ways to protect moats and walls, and also to consider ways to highlight the moats to encourage tourism and accessibility.

"It can be rightly stated that the media practitioners have not only enjoyed a cordial working relationship with our government, but have enjoyed an unfettered rein of reportage. In line with government’s tradition of presenting the facts of all matters for public scrutiny and understanding, we are compelled to inform the general public of EDSG well-intentioned and very deliberate action in our drive to create a tourism market in our state. 

"Edo State Government has enjoyed objective reportage of all its activities. Therefore, we enjoin Journalists to remain objective in all matters without sentiments".

Meanwhile, the Leadership of Edo NUJ said the Union has not written any statement to that effect. According to the statement which was signed by the state Chairman - Comrade Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary - Comrade Andy Egbon, "The attention of the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council has been drawn to a release issued by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare indicating that the council issued a press statement on the above subject matter.

"We wish to state that the Edo State Council has not issued any public statement so far on the subject matter.

"We are constrained to state the true position of the union in order to put the records straight.

"Journalists have had cause to approach the union leadership to comment on the situation after they observed that the Managing Director  of EDOGIS , Mrs Osaro Aihie  reached the council leadership of a plan by the state government to take over a part of the union's secretariat in Benin city. 

"All enquiries on the matter were referred to the National President of the union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo who is the chief custodian of the union's property nationwide .

"The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council has enjoyed very cordial relationship with the Edo State government for which the union leadership and members are proud of".