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Dogara urges media proprietors to cater for journalists’ needs

By Adamu Abuh, Abuja
06 February 2018   |   4:25 am
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara yesterday reiterated the call on proprietors of media organizations in the country to pay journalists their salaries and emolument as at when due.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, signing the condolence register of Mr Otei Oham, The Guardian’s reporter at the House of Representatives Press Corps Center in Abuja yesterday.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara yesterday reiterated the call on proprietors of media organizations in the country to pay journalists their salaries and emolument as at when due. Speaking when he paid a condolence visit to members of the House of Representatives Press Corps over the demise of The Guardian’s Mr. Otei Oham, he said journalists deserve their wages in view of the role they play in the sustenance of democratic rule and good governance in the country.

Dogara, who was accompanied by principal officers of the House, underlined the role played by the media and civil society organizations in holding the government accountable, stressing that no sacrifice will be too much to make to cater for the basic needs of journalists in the country.

He particularly enjoined proprietors of media organizations to provide adequate life insurance for journalists, adding that such incentives is required to spur his ilks in position of governance to explore avenues of assisting practicing journalists.

Dogara who paid tribute to the late journalist, condoled with the management of The Guardian Newspapers over his demise after a brief illness in the early hours of Saturday, last week. He said: “It is of deep feelings that we are here today, and unfortunately for us, the feeling is one of grief. And no matter what happens, no matter how long we cry, we can never change it, we just have to accept it. And as people of God we accept as the perfect will of God.

“At this moment of grief, let me reiterate the call for media owners to ensure journalists who suffer for the very ideals that we are fighting for or working for, which is the ideals of freedom, to be paid as and when due. It is important. Also, in the context of this very dangerous environment, for them to navigate as journalists, I want to call on proprietors of media organisations that they provide adequate insurance cover for journalists including life insurance. We have been witnesses to some very sad events that led to the death of some of your colleagues while on active duty. And we believe that if this kind of measures are put in place, it will spur journalists to do more.”

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