ACJOAU Is Not Seeking Any Attention, Says ACJOAU PRO

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (ACJOAU)..

PRESS STATEMENT:

Good day to everyone...  It is important as the chief information bearer and image maker of the association to speak and make clarifications to the information released by the General Secretary and probably make some modifications.
  First and foremost,  I would like to apologise for the words (Language) used in the release which might have sounded Authoritative and totalitarian,  believe me,  we did not mean it that way, our interpretations may differ.
  In the light of this,  i would like to make some clarifications and i want to crave your indulgence as I take the issues one after the other.

1.  Membership Dues:
        I would say there was no change in the amounts to be paid except for the old boards that will pay 1500.  I dont think this amount is too much since its going to be paid by a body and not individuals.  The fee for individuals remain 1000.  That has being the normal due,As such i would like everyone to erase the notion that the executive of the association is being exploitative. 

2. On the issue of ACJ having a representative at interviews of new members.  I agree that the word "Must" may have been found to be interpreted in different ways but we were only emphasizing the importance of the modality interpreted different ways.  Let it be known that this is only aimed at bringing the association closer to its news agencies.  This was part of our campaign promises and i dont think there is any harm in this. We are not trying to interfere in the business of news agencies.  Just to create awareness to the prospective members.

3.  Whatsapp News Platforms:
    I agree with Neonatar that whatsapp is the general information center in OAU although he presented it wrongly and casted an insult on the Association  But what we are saying is that you cannot just open a whatsapp group one day and call it a news agency.  We are saying that you get a blog or website or a board which are the officially recognized medums. Lets take a cue from the likes of SmartBrains News Agency,  RadarNetwork,  campusVilla,  beyondwatch and others.  They operate mainly on whatsapp and they have their blogs and sites.  We are only trying to regulate things,  if care is not taken,  it will get to a point that their will be numerous news groups and it will be hard to control.   So i would modify that :
"You cannot be a whatsapp group and call yourself a news agency with no official medium of communication.  You are advised to get a site or a blog or a board.

4.  On ACJOAU & POLITICAL FIGURES:
  I would like to correct the way it was stated.  What was actually meant was that   "you cannot hold a political office and be a Journalist."  I wonder how you be delivering news without being biased.  People sighted Tinubu,  he only sponsors the stations he does not have an office there and he has never proclaimed himself as a journalist.  The only clarification that i would make is on the term "Political Office" which might have sounded vague. We should have being specific.  When we mean political office,  we are referring to executive offices like Presidential,  Secretary,etc.  You cannot be the President of a political institution and call yourself a journalist.
"For sincere, just, fair and unbiased dissemination of information, press persons must abstain from politics and just report all that happens there."

I believe i have being able to clarify and modify some of the issues.  Let it be known that ACJ is not seeking any attention.  It would be illogical for anyone to say that.  So to seek attention,  making rules is a means of seeking attention?  I laugh in spanish.  

I want to beseech everyone,  yes i know this is OAU where releases follow releases,  but not to aggrevate issues,  if you still have issues and complaint,  please you can easily reach me and i promise it will be treated adequately..

#Peace
#GodBlessOAU
#GodBlessACJOAU

Thanks.
Signed:
Abegunde Cephas
PRO, ACJOAU
08030631131