The Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Smart Iheoma , and the Chairman of the Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chidi Asonye, have provided clarifications on the reported misunderstanding that followed a recent sanitation exercise in Umuahia, seeking to set the record straight on the matter that has generated public interest.
Speaking at the Umuahia North LGA headquarters during an interaction with journalists, Mayor Iheoma dismissed claims of a dispute with the NUJ as an institution. Instead, he pointed to what he described as a targeted attack by an individual journalist allegedly used by political opponents to discredit his administration.
“I have no issue with the NUJ. My concern is with an individual who is using his position to blackmail me. During a Sanitation Day exercise, I called for an interview, but it seemed like a coordinated act to sideline me. A reporter who wasn’t even present later went online to accuse me falsely of insulting the press,” Iheoma stated. He added that legal steps have been initiated to seek redress over derogatory terms allegedly used against him.
Iheoma also highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the establishment of a poultry farm, a functional canteen, restored electricity at the LGA Secretariat, and youth ICT training programs where participants received laptops and stipends. He reaffirmed his commitment to health, agriculture, and sports development, saying, “We’re here to make an impact and build a legacy.”
However, offering his side of the story, NUJ Chairman Comrade Asonye told ABN TV that his involvement stemmed from information he gathered from other journalists who witnessed the incident. Asonye stated that he arrived at the venue as the media interaction was concluding and was informed by colleagues that the Mayor allegedly made uncomplimentary remarks after they declined his request for an interview.
“I wasn’t present at the time of the confrontation. My colleagues briefed me on what happened, and I acted in my capacity as a journalist, reporting their account. I never sought to blackmail or malign the Mayor. In fact, I’ve never met him personally, nor have I had any dealings with him,” Asonye explained. He maintained that his published report was based on accounts of those present and that other media houses also reported the same.
Asonye further refuted the claim that he demanded a bribe from the Mayor or orchestrated negative coverage. “The allegation that I attempted to blackmail him is false. My report was professional and based on what I was told. If legal action is taken, I am prepared to defend myself,” he said.
The NUJ Chairman noted that the matter was raised at an NUJ congress where members resolved to blacklist the Mayor from press activities due to the reported conduct. He emphasized that this decision was a collective resolution of the Union and not a personal vendetta.
As the situation unfolds, both parties have expressed readiness to defend their positions through legal and professional channels, while observers call for dialogue to de-escalate tensions between government officials and the press in the interest of public service.
