The Coalition of Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (COMJAN) has condemned in strong terms, the unethical behaviours of some Maritime Media Practitioners called Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NMJ) over allegations of consistent reportage based on unverified, unfounded and baseless speculations aimed at putting undue pressure on their alleged personalities without recourse to the norms and ethics of journalism profession.

In a statement obtained by CEOAFRICA, the coalition during an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt last week, accused NMJ of targeting their activities with the intention to extort and cajole alleged personalities for gratification.

While COMJAN maintains its ground on seeing journalism as a respected profession and the watchdog of the society also referred to as the fourth estate of the realm, the association said that "in view of the above, the profession should not be a tool to intimidate, coarse and harass for gratification. The profession rewards the genuine practitioners who render services in line with the norms and values tailored towards societal sustainability."

The Coalition expressed awareness of self-acclaimed writers and journalists parading themselves as being in the maritime industry, stating that "it is only in their figment of magination that they think putting baseless allegations on personalities, maritime organizations and government officials would make them relevant and get rich quick."

“Our members are credible media practitioners who are tested, trusted and proven over decades with our Maritime journalism experiences spanning over 25 to 30 years. And wonder why those who could be referred to as "neophytes and glorified vendors turned jaundiced Magazine publishers too soon could cast aspersions on the wellknown Maritime Journalists." COMJAN said at the meeting.

Vowing not to let the misdemeanor aimed at tarnishing the reputation of its members continue, the coalition stood to “challenge any of those Voodoo writers to show their works". This is on the premise that the association has pledged its unalloyed confidence in and collaboration with all the leadership of the Nigeria Customs formations in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones which has witnessed a renewed vigour and spirited effects aimed to consolidate and create more innovations in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. As a result, the Onne customs command has been propelled to double her efforts and strategies to generate more revenue, for the nation, suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, improve trade facilitation in accordance with the CGC's vision.

The Association also commended the leadership qualities of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Onne Seaport chapter, ably led by Mr. Mike Ebeatu, reiterating that Ebeatu since assumption of office few years ago, has enforced discipline, due process and fiscal policies of the Federal government on imports and exports clearance procedures with the view to being in the same page with the Nigeria Customs Service.

"Suffice it to say that Ebeatu's leadership qualities at Onne has created needed robust leadership and strategies with customs agents, stakeholders and even media practitioners and such, has ensured human capital development, improved health care for members, provision of free transportation for members, renovation of ANLCA Secretariat and creation of new ANLCA Lounge at the FOT gate, including resolution of disputes on grey areas in cargo documentation and clearance at Onne Seaport and the federal operations unit Zone C. Owerri,” they said.

On that note, the coalition warned stakeholders in the maritime industry, captains of industries, Government Agencies etc. to “be wary and verify the clandestine activities of those self acclaimed Media Practitioners whose their so called very proud President was once arrested, detained due to the same blackmail, unverified and unethical reportage against a former Customs Area Controller, Area 1 Customs Command, Compt. Adeogun, ( Rtd) under Mr. Kalio as the Chairman NUJ Rivers State chapter, which members of COMJAN then swiftly rescued from being jailed.”