It is unbelievable what government can do and undo with labour unions or professional associations.
All the maritime media associations, irrespective of their distinct brands inclination are being merged into one group by the orders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ). Earlier, the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi had sought for a common platform for the maritime media. This idea is no less noble. But the road and the patience of achieving the feat of this kind are always lacking. Amaechi’s failed attempt produced the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria(AMJON),which at best was still birth. However, as predicted, it gave birth to many others, hitherto unknown in the industry. As NUJ high command read its riot act on merger, it also failed to address the problem- why the centre cannot hold. The maritime industry is unique, the players are grouped under the Preys and the Predators. And any player can find himself or herself on any of the divides. This is why the NUJ model of the on-going merger will derail until the fundamentals are addressed. Many maritime players do not know the difference between a journalist and an impostor, especially within the customs circle where nothing is “pure”. Customs’ ignorance is a moral and societal baggage. Many impostors legitimize their journalistic entry with customs’ preying hands. Watch out for the preys and predators in the maritime sector. Remember the NLC and ULC under the military and democratic dispensations.
