The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has dissociated itself from a Facebook-based platform operating under the name “Secrets Reporter”, saying it is neither recognised nor registered with any of its state councils or chapels.
The Union made this clarification following complaints from members of the public, public officials and journalists over alleged blackmail, ethical violations and unprofessional conduct attributed to the platform.
In a press statement signed by its Assistant National Secretary, Tita Onyebuchi Nze, the NUJ said the platform was not listed among its recognised or accredited media organisations and that the identities of its promoters, publishers and editorial managers were unknown to the Union.
It consequently said it could not vouch for the platform’s professional standing or ascertain whether its operators adhered to the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists and other established principles of responsible journalism.
The Union further clarified that it had no institutional or professional jurisdiction over the platform or its unidentified operators and, therefore, was not in a position to entertain, investigate or adjudicate complaints arising from its activities.
It advised members of the public who felt aggrieved by the platform’s activities to seek redress through appropriate law enforcement agencies and other relevant statutory authorities.
While reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the NUJ stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
It maintained that journalism must be guided by truth, accuracy, fairness, balance, verification and accountability, warning against the use of media platforms for alleged blackmail, intimidation, sensationalism, extortion or settling personal scores.
The Union also called on those behind “Secrets Reporter” to disclose their identities and clarify their professional status, insisting that anyone claiming to practise journalism must be ready to uphold the profession’s ethical standards and accountability requirements.
The NUJ, however, emphasised that it would not shield any journalist found culpable of professional misconduct, regardless of status or affiliation.
It added that it would not allow unidentified individuals or platforms to assume professional legitimacy or undermine the reputation of journalism through alleged unethical practices.
The Union reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting responsible journalism and safeguarding the integrity of the profession in Nigeria.