“I Am Not at War with Abia NUJ” –Smart Iheoma

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Mayor Smart Iheoma has denied stories making the rounds that he was at loggerheads with the Nigeria union of journalists, Abia state chapter.

The chief executive officer of Umuahia North local government area told a cross section of reporters in the council headquarters at Ọdịda anyanwụ that he only had issues with one of the members of the union who happens to be the state chairman of the NUJ..

The NUJ in the state recently issued a press statement blacklisting the mayor for alleged insults of some journalists during the last sanitation exercise in the state.

The mayor alleged that person involved was being used by political opponents to tarnish his image.

.According to the Mayor, the issue originated from a misunderstanding involving a reporter who allegedly called him derogatory names such as a “drunkard” and a “tout.” He emphasized that the matter was personal and not a conflict with the NUJ as an institution.

He disclosed that legal action has already been initiated through his lawyers.

Meanwhile in a press statement issued by NuJ over the matter at the weekend, members were forbidden from giving the mayor coverage henceforth as anyone who defied the order would be sanctioned.

But the mayor has given the situation a political connotation saying, “This is pure blackmail, and I know where it’s coming from. That individual is a known PDP loyalist.

“He is using his position to incite others against me. I have never had issues with media professionals without fulfilling my own obligations. I am confident that justice will prevail,” the Mayor stated.

Chief Iheoma who highlighted some achievements of his administration so far, said they now have a poultry farm within the LGA Headquarters, constructed a functional canteen at the Secretariat, restored power supply in the Local Government Secretariat and carried out a comprehensive clean-up exercise that has given the Secretariat a facelift.

He also said as part of the government’s policy of empowering citizens, that the council had trained and equipped 30 youths for ICT programmes.

“We recently concluded a three-day ICT training program for 30 youths, providing each of them with laptops and stipends. That’s part of our commitment to building skills and empowering our people.

The Mayor announced plans for a second phase of the training program, saying his focus was on key sectors including health, agriculture, and sports.“I don’t believe in making noise. I let my work speak for me. We’re here to make an impact and build a legacy.”