Covid-19: Plateau Publishers' Forum calls on govt to look into welfare of journalists

By: Kevin Williams Agbonba

The Plateau Publishers' Forum (PPF) has called on both federal and the state governments to recognize journalists across the country as front liners in the fight against Covid-19 by paying them hazard allowance and other benefits like those in the health and security sectors.

The forum stated this in a Press Release, signed by the forum's Chairman and Secretary, Chief (Dr) Sarki Zailani Yamusa (JP) and Prince Solomon Gokas. The forum is also calling on the federal and state governments as a matter of urgency to provide financial bailout to media outfits across the country.

According to the press release, "The PPF is appealing to both the federal and state governments to as a matter of urgency to provide financial bailout to media industries to avert callapse and sack of workers operating in the media".

The forum has also commended the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong for ensuring strict compliance in the total lockdown order in the overall interest of the citizens, particularly, the provision of palliatives to the vulnerable in the society. As well as, prompt payment of workers salaries at this particular time.

According to the release, "The forum also lauded the governor for sustaining the tight-grip on the interstate border closure in order to avoid the risk of the Coronavirus spread into the state, which as Chairman, Northern Governors' Forum has placed him to be a rallying point for other governors to emulate in curbing the spread of the deadly virus".

PPF is appealing for caution, and soliciting for cooperation of the general public towards adhering to the laid down safety measures as provided by health experts.