By Patrick Ochei
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu has commended the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and PDP candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu for deeming it feat to include the mother of Anioma Nation, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu (Omu Anioma) in his constituency projects, adding that the union was pleased that he built a veteran media practitioner a befitting House.
He gave this commendation while giving his remark and vote of thanks to the Minority Leader during the presentation of his scorecard to the fourth estate of the realm on The Platform, which is an agenda setting programme that brings political office seekers to interface with Journalists at the NUJ Press Centre.
Ikeogwu said Elumelu had performed creditably well beyond the expectations of his constituents, adding that he was particularly satisfied that among the Palace projects he executed for traditional rulers in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, he included the Omu Anioma to perfectly balance the equation.
According to Ikeogwu, “We are pleased that among the numerous projects you attracted and sited in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, you deemed it feat to include a housing project for a woman who is the mother of Anioma Nation and of course, our eminent veteran colleague.
“Omu Anioma has been a strong voice in Anioma Nation, Delta State and beyond. She has paid her dues at all levels of leadership and she has remained indeed, a mother to all. That you built her a residential apartment in her Palace is a demonstration of true representation and the best way to satisfy all sections of your people.
“We are glad because, she is our mother too. She has supported us both at the State and national level of NUJ; indeed, she has remained active outside the field of practice. Once again, we appreciate you sir for this kind gesture which has no doubt, endeared you the more to the people”, Ikeogwu said.
Speaking further, the Chairman recognised Elumelu as the first House of Representatives Member and candidate to have visited the press centre to interact with journalists.
He said apart from the fact that Elumelu’s scorecard is intimidating, Journalists do not abandon those who recognise them for friendship and in times of need.
The Chairman therefore, appealed to members of the Union who would be voting within Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency to ensure to cast their votes for Elumelu, for the honour done NUJ.
Pleased by the encouraging words of the NUJ Chairman, Elumelu promised to regularly interface with the press at the home front, though without reservation, he expressed dissatisfaction with some Journalists who had in the past reported one sided story against him without verifying the true position.
He further promised not to hold such bad press against any Journalist, maintaining that he can only thank God who made it possible for the truth to eventually come out to correct the erroneous impression that was then created.
