Journalist Suspended for Exposing Child Hunger at Ebonyi Airport Launch
A journalist has been suspended today for taking pictures of children eating left over food at the launch of the Ebonyi state airport, which the government claimed cost billions of naira.
The journalist, whose name has not been disclosed, was covering the event for a local newspaper when he noticed the children scavenging for food among the guests.
He decided to capture the scene as a contrast to the lavish spending of the government on the airport project, which has been criticized by some as a waste of public funds.
However, his editor told him to delete the pictures and suspended him from work, saying he had violated the ethics of journalism and embarrassed the government.
The journalist’s plight was revealed by Omotayo Williams, a Twitter user who goes by the handle @KadunaResident. He shared the tweet and condemned the government for its insensitivity to the plight of the poor.
He wrote: “Ebonyi state government launched an airport which they boasted cost more billions. They spent millions of dollars to launch it.
A journalist captured children eating left over food at the event, asking why an event that cost millions of dollar is required when the children of the state can’t feed. He was suspended for doing his job.
This demons we are encouraging will soon come to our door step to consume us. Just continue..”
The tweet has sparked outrage among Nigerians who have expressed their support for the journalist and called for his reinstatement.
They have also slammed the Ebonyi state government for its misplaced priorities and lack of concern for the welfare of its citizens.
