Title: NUJ Faults Rivers Assembly Over Disqualification of Nominees, Seeks Recall of Suspended Lawmakers Date Published: 18 March 2026 Description: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to respect freedom of expression and democratic norms, following the disqualification of some commissioner nominees over opinions they had expressed in the media prior to their screening.The position was contained in a detailed communiqué issued at the end of the State Congress of the NUJ, held on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. The Congress, which marked the one-year anniversary of the Paul Bazia-Nsaneh-led executive, brought together practicing journalists across the state, including senior veterans, to deliberate on key issues affecting governance, media freedom, and development in Rivers State.While commending the Assembly for live broadcasting the screening of the Governor’s commissioner nominees—a move the union described as “transparent and commendable”—the NUJ expressed dismay that some nominees were disqualified due to personal opinions previously expressed in the media. The union viewed this as a violation of freedom of expression and urged the legislature to adopt a more tolerant approach that encourages public participation and open debate.In addition, the NUJ called on the Assembly to recall suspended lawmakers in the spirit of reconciliation, noting that political inclusiveness and unity within the legislature are crucial for stability and effective governance.The Congress also addressed broader governance issues, urging both the State and Local Governments to translate the declared state of emergency in education into concrete action. Specifically, it called for the renovation of dilapidated or vandalized primary and secondary schools, recruitment and equitable posting of teachers to underserved rural areas, and revitalisation of primary healthcare centres.On media and information management, the union stressed the importance of prioritising government-owned media through refurbishment and staff recruitment to enhance effective public communication. It also recommended that the State leverage the amended electricity law to invest in the power sector, improve energy generation, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth.Other pressing issues highlighted by the NUJ included rising land grabbing incidents, touting on commercial vehicles in Port Harcourt, and political violence, including the burning of a political party building in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area. The union warned that these challenges threaten the state’s image, undermine economic development, and could escalate tensions as election season approaches.The communiqué was signed by Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, Chairman, and Ijeoma Tubosia, Secretary of the NUJ Rivers State Council, alongside members of the drafting committee, Dr Justice Ihunwo, Dr Joy Grant-Amadi, and Mr Chukwudi Ejimofor.By directly linking legislative actions to press freedom and governance concerns, the NUJ’s communiqué sends a clear message to the Rivers State Assembly on the need for transparency, reconciliation, and policy follow-through in critical sectors. Attached Images: 9a243ebf29c00662e94b45c4aa2aa3d8a359400b71981683772b9d1010e66d15.jpg Attached Video: None