The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has declared a total media blackout on the Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Smart Iheoma, and all activities related to the council.
This decision follows allegations that Chairman Iheoma verbally abused and threatened journalists who did not interview him during the May 2025 statewide environmental sanitation exercise in Umuahia.
The resolution was formalized in a 10-point communiqué issued at the end of the union’s June 2025 monthly congress. The communique, signed by NUJ State Chairman, Chidi Asonye, and Secretary, Iyke Onuegbu, announced an indefinite boycott of all events, statements, or coverage linked to Iheoma or the Umuahia North LGA.
According to the union, Iheoma reportedly called journalists derogatory names—including “imbeciles” and “criminals”—and threatened to bar them from covering state government activities.
Describing the chairman’s conduct as unbecoming of a public official, the NUJ condemned his actions in strong terms, citing them as an affront to the dignity and professional responsibilities of journalists.
The union warned that any of its members or affiliated media outlets that violate this embargo would face disciplinary sanctions.
While reaffirming its cordial relationship with the Abia State government, the NUJ emphasized its zero tolerance for any conduct that undermines or disrespects the press.
