Plateau NUJ Honours Sen. Lalong With Award for Achievements, Contribution to Journalism

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

The Nigerian Union of Journalists, Plateau State Chapter has honoured former Governor of the State and Senator representing Plateau South District Simon Bako Lalong with a special award for his achievements and contribution to the growth of the profession.

The award was presented to the former Governor during activities marking the 2024 Press Week in Plateau State held in Jos.

The award presented to Senator Lalong by Emir of Wase Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna was in recognition of his achievements including the remodelling and reconstruction of the State NUJ Secretariat in Jos by the former Governor.

He was also recognised for his many developmental strides while in office as well as his friendly disposition and support to journalists in the State.

Lalong while accepting the award described journalists as critical stakeholders in democracy who need to be supported and accorded the opportunity to serve the society.

He said ” I specially thank you for the support and collaboration you gave me during the period of that very crucial assignment. Like I said during my visit to your NUJ Centre few days before I left office, our government would not have succeeded without your contributions.
Of course there were some journalists and media houses who criticized virtually every action we took for reasons best known to them. However, as a democrat, I believe that even dissenting voices serve as a check to those holding political power”.

Lalong emphasised that because of his respect for the role of the media, he never harassed, intimidated, arrested or persecuted any journalist despite the unprofessional conduct of some members who crossed the ethical lines of the profession.

He admonished the NUJ to continue to be objective, balanced, fair and stand by the truth at all times.

“My dear friends, since leaving office as Governor, I have watched and read reports particularly in the social media where our Rescue Administration has been reviewed by various persons and groups. While such assessments are expected for every outgone government, it is important that such activity stays within the realm of truth, objectivity and fairness. Unfortunately, many have attempted to rewrite history by desperately trying to misinform the public about our achievements. Fortunately, our records are intact for people to see, despite the propaganda aimed at suppressing our performance. I am glad that many of you reported and documented our activities and achievements accurately which can still be accessed by any independent reviewer today” he said.

The Senator who is also the leader of the APC in Plateau State used the event to address some burning issues including the forthcoming Local Government elections assuring that the APC will fully participate and win.

The former Governor also said the long delayed inauguration of our House of Assembly members has been concluded with the swearing in of the remaining five members.

“As a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, I am ashamed of what happened and pray that Plateau State will never witness this type of affront to democracy again. I urge all the Honourable Members to come together and work for the interest of Plateau people. The Honourable Members are not there to threaten the Governor with impeachment, but to work for the progress of our State. Those pushing that narrative should desist from overheating the polity. I will never support any impeachment of a Governor” he assured.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang represented by Commisioner for Information and Communication Musa Ashoms said the Government will continue to support the NUJ as it works to fulfill its mandate to the people.

NUJ Chairman Plateau State Ayuku Pwaspo said the NUJ has continued to pursue professionalism by ensuring that citizens know the happenings in society as well as holding the government accountable.

She said the Awardees including the former Plateau Governor have done a lot for the growth of the profession and wellbeing of its members.