The Nigeria Union of Journalists has urged the South East governors of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States to implement the weigh-in allowance for their media workers.
The South-East Vice Chairman of the NUJ, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, made the call in Enugu on Tuesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on the occasion of the 2016 World Press Freedom Day.
Isiguzo said the call had become necessary to enable staff of state-owned media organisations enjoy what their contemporaries in other zones had been enjoying.
He also called on private media owners to settle staff salary as at when due.
“This problem has become a challenge that had made some journalists to compromise their ethics,” he said.
The vice chairman also called on journalists to key into the insurance scheme of the union to have something to fall back on in times of emergencies.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist in Enugu State, Ifeoma Amuta, called on all levels of government in the country to make the welfare of journalists, a priority.
Amuta said journalists in the country were the least paid despite the hazardous nature of their jobs.
The chairperson called for the removal of all impediments that prevented journalists from having access to information.
Amuta urged journalists to be focused, resolute and committed to discharging their duties for the development of the nation.
She also condemned the incessant killings of innocent citizens in some parts of the country and urged security operatives and local vigilantes to be on the watch.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Enugu State, Norbert Okolie, said it was worthwhile to celebrate press freedom worldwide.
Okolie said: “It is obvious that there is no organization that can do without information.
“Therefore, journalists should be considered important.
“There is need for government to improve welfare packages of journalists.”
NAN.