The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised concerns over the alleged shutdown of the state-owned National Light Newspaper by the Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in Anambra. The Chairman of NUJ Anambra Council, Dr. Emeka Odogwu, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, calling it “an open ill-treatment” of journalists and suggesting that it portrays the state government as lacking compassion.
Dr. Odogwu expressed dissatisfaction with the way the issue was being handled and urged the government to consider absorbing the affected staff into the Ministry of Information. He emphasized the importance of treating workers fairly and not leaving them in limbo. The NUJ Chairman called on journalists nationwide and internationally to stand against the perceived injustice faced by the workers at National Light newspaper.
However, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Chief Paul Nwosu, denied knowledge of any directive to shut down the newspaper. He stated that no official communication on the matter had been made during the last Executive Council meeting of the state.
The situation remains tense as the NUJ and the Anambra government present conflicting statements regarding the alleged closure of the newspaper. Further developments and clarifications are awaited to resolve the issue.