Garba spoke with members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm over the weekend during a dinner and award night organised by the Niger state Council of the NUJ to mark the end of its 2014 Press week at the IBB Pen House Minna.
He said journalists fought for the democracy being enjoyed by Nigerians including the politicians.
The National President who was represented by the NUJ Vice President Zone ‘D’ Mr Mathias Omale, charged Journalists to be careful of being used by some politicians, adding that no amount of intimidation should call for compromise.
According to him “very soon there will be accusations upon accusations as the 2015 general elections draw close. We must be very cautious and we must exhibit professionalism.
“Do not be afraid in the cause of discharging your duties. Especially as the 2015 general election approaches, many politicians will accuse you, threaten you and do all kinds of thing to you but be firm because we (Journalists) fought for the democracy we are enjoying today as a nation and nobody can intimidate us. It is INEC that needs to improve and they must prove to all Nigerians that they can do better.”
Garba however charged Journalists to always stand for the truth, work together and cooperate because the media cannot be downgraded by any or group of persons.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Niger state, Comrade Iliya Garba urged members to key into the insurance scheme of the union. “The issue of insurance must be adhered-to by members in the case of any eventuality, so that our families can be duly compensated.”
He further commended the state Governor Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu for his efforts towards eradicating poverty in the last Seven years in the state.
Those awarded include: the Chief of Staff to the Niger state Governor, Umar Nasko, Director General Millenium Development Goals (MDG) Alhaji Aliyu Dattijo, Mr John Damidami, Managing Director of the state owned newspapers (Newsline).