The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has disowned a Facebook-based platform operating under the name “Secrets Reporter”, distancing itself from the platform over complaints of alleged blackmail, ethical violations and unprofessional conduct.
The Union, in a press statement signed by its Assistant National Secretary, Tita Onyebuchi Nze, said it had received several complaints from members of the public, public officials and journalists concerning the activities of the platform.
The NUJ clarified that “Secrets Reporter” is neither recognised nor registered with any of its State Councils or Chapels, adding that the identities of its promoters, publishers and editorial managers were unknown to the Union.
It further stated that 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 established principles of responsible journalism.
While reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression, the Union stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
According to the statement, journalism is founded on truth, accuracy, fairness, balance, verification and accountability, warning that the profession must not be reduced to anonymity, blackmail, intimidation, sensationalism or the use of media platforms to settle personal scores and extort individuals.
Consequently, the NUJ declared that it had no institutional or professional jurisdiction over the platform or its unidentified operators and would therefore not entertain, investigate or adjudicate complaints arising from its activities.
It advised members of the public who feel aggrieved by the platform’s activities to seek redress through appropriate law enforcement agencies and other relevant statutory authorities.
The Union also challenged those behind the platform to come forward, disclose their identities and clarify their professional status, insisting that anyone claiming to practise journalism must be ready to submit to the ethical standards and accountability mechanisms governing the profession.
The statement, however, emphasised that the NUJ would neither condone nor shield any journalist found guilty of professional misconduct, regardless of status or affiliation.
It added that the Union would not allow unidentified individuals or platforms to falsely assume professional legitimacy or undermine the reputation of journalism through alleged unethical practices.
The NUJ reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting responsible journalism and safeguarding the integrity of the profession in Nigeria.
