JOURNALISTS: THANKS, GOVS AMAECHI & ORJI

Editor,

JOURNALISTS: THANKS, GOVS AMAECHI & ORJI

Relying on statements coming from the kidnapped journalists, it became understood that the kidnappers informed them that they had prior knowledge of their movement before the incident, meaning that they were not just hunting. The Leadership newspaper (Monday July 19, 2010) in its front page story "Our Kidnap Was A Set-up", Mr. Wahab Oba summarised thus: "As we were about to run (from the kidnappers) they warned us not to move because they were monitoring our movement and keeping tabs right from Uyo; and warned us not to attempt anything funny". I cannot agree less, but the question now is; who gave the tracking information to the kidnappers?

Nevertheless, on behalf of the released journalists, I want to say "thank you" to governors of Rivers and Abia states for their sincere help in getting the released journalists back to their stations. According to news items, while Governor Orji of Abia had sleepless nights and was concerned about the safety of the kidnapped (but now released) journalists by constant liaison with the Police; Governor Amaechi of Rivers who though his state was not involved in the incident, arranged a chartered plane that conveyed the journalists back to their Lagos base.

This brings to discourse the unconcerned attitude so far exhibited by Akwa Ibom state where the journalists were guests before their kidnap: Not even a word of concern or sympathy has up till date come from the Akwa Ibom governor; I could not read the Akwa Ibom NUJ chapter’s vocally sympathy. The totality of that State behaved as if they were not bothered about what happened to their visitors who were on their way back to their stations. These stand condemned. Uyo definitely is nearer than Port Harcourt, to Umuahia, yet Governor Amaechi found it necessary to ensure a chartered flight that took the journalists back to Lagos. Many governors, groups, politicians, et al expressed sympathy but no such voices were heard from Akwa Ibom or its citizens. I read that the incident happened in an Abia town that share common bush and forest with another in Akwa Ibom.

Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Mustapha, Plot 1239 Daura Road, Katsina State.