NUJ Rivers Kicks Against ‘Quack’ Journalists, Rejects Outsider Appointments as Chief Press Secretaries

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has issued a strong warning against what it described as the rising tide of quackery and unprofessional practices in the media industry, rejecting the appointment of non-media professionals into sensitive communication positions across the state.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué released at the end of the union’s State Congress held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Center, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. The congress was presided over by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Paul Bazia, and attended by chapel chairmen, secretaries, and practicing journalists across Rivers State.

In the communiqué, the union expressed deep concern over the growing presence of individuals parading themselves as journalists without proper training, accreditation, or adherence to professional ethics. It warned that such practices have eroded public trust in the media, undermined investigative journalism, and posed risks to national security and democratic governance.

The Congress specifically rejected the appointment of non-communication professionals into key media roles by elected state and local government officials. It called on Local Government Councils that have engaged what it described as “quack journalists” to reverse such appointments within seven working days from the date of publication.

The union also frowned at what it termed the “importation” of Chief Press Secretaries from outside Rivers State who are unknown to the state council of the NUJ to serve in Government House. It described the practice as a vote of no confidence in local media practitioners and urged the state governor to review such appointments within 14 days.

According to the Congress, Rivers State boasts experienced, veteran journalists and communication experts capable of handling strategic media roles. It warned that failure to heed the resolution could strain the existing relationship between the government and the media in the state.

The Council further condemned the appointment of individuals known for unprofessional conduct, including mud-slinging and cyberbullying on social media, stressing that such behavior violates journalistic ethics and principles.

In a related development, the NUJ Rivers Council cautioned that the appointment of non-practicing journalists and public relations professionals as Commissioner for Information, Chief Press Secretaries, and Press Secretaries would no longer be acceptable in the interest of professionalism and good governance.

The Congress also urged the state government, the 23 Local Government Councils, and other relevant institutions to organize regular professional training programmes for media and press assistants to promote strategic and responsible communication.

Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism, the Council emphasized that constitutionally, only the Office of the Governor is designed to have a Chief Press Secretary, while other government offices should appoint Press Secretaries or Press Officers.

The communiqué was signed by Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, Chairman of the NUJ Rivers State Council, and Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, Secretary of the Council. Members of the Communiqué Drafting Committee included Comrade Giadom Martins (Chairman), Dr. Boma Waribor (Secretary), and Comrade Tonye Nria Dappa (Member).