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By Jethro Yerga, Jalingo.
The chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Taraba State Council, Comrade Mathew Eliud Jen, has called on spirited and well to do individuals within and outside the Shores of Taraba to come to the aid of a seasoned Journalist in Taraba State, Mr Tanko Bauka whose two legs have been amputated.
The chairman made the call at the resident of the seasoned Journalist in Jalingo, when he led members of the newly inaugurated exco of the union in the state on a solidarity visit to Tanko Bauka, to pray and sympathise with him on the unfortunate situation that fate has placed him in.
Comrade Eliud stated that spirited and well to do individuals may come to the aid of Mr Tanko Bauka through prayers and even provision of material things to help cushion the effect of woes placed on him by fate.
He pledged that he would try as much as possible to interact with the Taraba State Government and draw its attention on the need to provide artificial legs for the seasoned journalist to enable him operate effectively on his job.
While expressing his saddened state over what he described as flaw of life, the chairman noted that the entire members of the Taraba State council of NUJ are completely unsettled owing to the unfortunate condition that befell their vibrant and committed colleague.
“We are here to empathise with you and to let you know that the entire council is unsettled because of this unfortunate situation fate has brought you. As leaders of our great union, we shall try our possible best to present your case to the Taraba State Government and solicit for artificial legs to be provided for you to enable you operate well. It is our prayer that your heart and soul should find peace and comfort during this difficult and trying times”. The chairman stated.
He applauded the passion and commitment of Mr Tanko Bauko on issues of the pen profession, wondering how he manage to write quality reports even when he was on the hospital bed.
Also wondering on the kind of passion being demonstrated by Mr Tanko on his job, Comr. Victoria Roland and Kabiru Jauro, all of Taraba Television TTV Jalingo, stated that Mr Tanko still writes quality reports for their station even in such a pathetic condition.
The two journalists in their seperate comments, also appealed that Government, spirited and well do individuals should turn their helping hands to assist the journalist in this difficult moments.
Responding, Mr Tanko Bauka commended the NUJ leaders for identifying with him during his difficult and trying moment. He said he was overwhelmed with joy by such show of love and solidarity, describing it as one of its kind in the history of his life.
He congratulated the team for emerging victorious at the recent NUJ State Council election and prayed that God in his infinite mercy would grant the new leaders the needed wisdom to take the Union in the state to a greater height.
While narrating how it all started, Mr Tanko said ” the whole thing began When we travelled for the screening of Governor Agbu Kefas in Bauchi. We left here for Bauchi and when we reached Gombe, we stopped to buy somethings. I personally went to get a free wear rubber shoes with my colleague but before we could even buy it, we heard sirens blowing and there we moved.
“I could not remove my shoes again. When we reached Bauchi and I eventually removed the shoes, my colleague was asking me why my legs swelled-up. Myself was surprised because I did not notice it. I did not even feel it. When I turned and saw it, I concluded that it was because we were on a long journey. But the situation got worse when we came back and travelled to Gashaka. It was from Gashaka that I discovered the condition was more than what I felt it was.
“I tried my possible best to reverse the situation with medical personel in hospitals but the result is what you have seen today”. He narrated.