On July 24, 2023, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed strong criticism towards the administration led by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in Anambra State. The reason behind their disapproval was the alleged shutdown of the state-owned National Light newspaper.
Dr. Emeka Odogwu, the Chairman of NUJ Anambra Council, voiced his concerns to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, stating that this recent action by the government is perceived as a blatant mistreatment of journalists under the Soludo administration.
He further emphasized that the decision to shut down the newspaper has cast a negative light on the state government, implying a lack of compassion and consideration for the welfare of journalists and media institutions.
“We frown at the reckless manner in which the National Light newspaper issue is being handled and we urge that the staff be absorbed in the Ministry of Information as anything to the contrary would boomerang.
“The NUJ cannot understand why Soludo’s government was busy employing other workers but cannot allow fewer than 100 workers at National Light newspaper, even if he does not want to hire more workers or turn around the organization.
“We are calling on journalists across Nigeria and the world to stand up against the injustice being meted to workers at National Light newspaper who have committed no offense,” he said.
According to Odogwu, he has gathered reliable information that a purported letter announcing the closure of the newspaper was handed to a senior management official of the organization on July 20.
In response to the criticism, Chief Paul Nwosu, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, refuted the claim, stating that there was no official directive to shut down the newspaper house.
“I am not aware of what he is saying. What you are saying is new to me.
“If the government wants to shut down such an establishment, there will be an official public statement to that effect.
“As at the last Executive Council meeting of the state, we did not discuss any issue concerning the National Light newspaper,” Nwosu said.
