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NUJ-FCT Election: Director Journalism Institute Refutes Certificate Forgery Allegations Against Grace Ike, 3 Others

Published

2 years ago

November 28, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

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…Reaffirm Authenticity of Certificates Issued

In a decisive blow to the baseless allegations being peddled by some desperate individuals, Victorson Agbenson, Johnchucks Onuanyim, and Emeka Nze, the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja, has categorically cleared the candidates for the upcoming Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council elections of alleged certificate forgery.

This clarification, issued by the Institute during an inquiry by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, reaffirmed the authenticity of the certificates presented by the candidates, putting to rest the smear campaign orchestrated by a faction of disgruntled journalists who lost out early during the electioneering process.

For over six years, the NUJ FCT Council has been held hostage by a select group of journalists whose vested interests have stagnated the progress and integrity of the union. Now, with the winds of change sweeping through the council, these same individuals are resorting to desperate tactics, including leveling baseless accusations of certificate forgery against legitimate candidates.

Addressing journalists who honoured an invitation by the police, Commissioner of Police (OPS) Olajide Rufus Ibitoye Msc, PCs speaking on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police , Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, stated clearly that contrary to the petitioners’ prayers, the Police cannot stop the election process and anyone who has grievances should approach the industrial court.

Ibitoye further stated that should the council need police protection for election, a formal request should be made through the Commissioner of Police, FCT State Command.

The controversy began when Victor Abegenso, a chairmanship aspirant with a history of questionable leadership practices, alongside two others, filed a petition accusing Grace Ike of Advocates Broadcasting Network, Ndambabo Yahaya of Voice of Nigeria, Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent, and Edeh Sandra Ogechukwu of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria of forging their Postgraduate Diploma certificates in Journalism from IIJ.

However, during their appearance before the police, the IIJ officials led by its Director Dr. Emman Shehu and other management staff, were present on the invitation of he police, and unequivocally confirmed that the certificates and statements of results presented by the accused candidates were genuine and had been duly issued by the institution.

In their response, the IIJ representatives explained that the discrepancies highlighted by the petitioners—such as dates of admission and graduation—were administrative nuances that did not compromise the authenticity of the documents.

They further clarified that the institution’s issuance process adheres strictly to academic protocols, and the candidates in question met all the requirements for their certifications.

This revelation has exposed the petitioners’ allegations as a calculated attempt to discredit the candidates and manipulate the electoral process to their advantage.

Victorson Agbenson, in particular, has been at the forefront of this smear campaign, seeking to divert attention from his inability to articulate a clear vision for the council. His actions, however, have only served to reinforce his reputation as a divisive figure unfit to lead a union that demands integrity and transparency.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, reiterated that its involvement in the matter was purely investigatory and not an interference in the NUJ elections.

This development marks a turning point for the NUJ FCT Council. For years, the council has suffered under a system that prioritized personal gain over collective progress. With the IIJ’s clarification, it is evident that the era of using falsehoods and intimidation to maintain the status quo is over.

As the December 4, 2024, elections approach, journalists within the council must remain vigilant and resist the antics of those who seek to derail the democratic process. The NUJ FCT Council is on the brink of a new era—one that prioritizes accountability, professionalism, and the welfare of its members.

The truth has prevailed, and it is now clear that the allegations of certificate forgery were nothing more than a desperate ploy by those unwilling to relinquish their grip on power. Whether they like it or not, the NUJ FCT Council is poised for change, and every injustice done to its members will be addressed.

The elections will undoubtedly mark the beginning of a brighter future for the NUJ FCT Council—a future built on integrity, transparency, and the unwavering resolve of journalists who refuse to be silenced.

Related Topics:Court Election FCT Nigeria Police

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Watch moment FCT minister Wike campaigns for Tinubu, Aduda

Published

6 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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…Vote Tinubu for President
Vote Aduda for Senate

Federal Capital Territory FCT minister Nyesom Wike has started campaigning for President Bola TInubu and Phillip Aduda in Abuja.

Watch the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, telling the people of Tungan Shanu village during the inspection of the ongoing construction of the road linking Tungan Madaki with Zuba Road today to vote President TInubu and Aduda for Senate.

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Court Directs INEC to Recognise NDC’s Two-Finger Logo

Published

1 hour ago

September 22, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) will soon be inaugurated as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party disclosed this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., on September 21, 2026.

According to the statement, the NDC is currently consulting with relevant stakeholders to develop and inaugurate what it described as a robust Presidential Campaign Council.

The party said its Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and Vice-Presidential Candidate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had held several meetings with the National Leader and leadership of the party as part of the process.

The NDC said Obi and Kwankwaso had been given the opportunity to nominate key officials of the campaign council in consultation with the party.

Those positions include the Director-General of the Campaign, Deputy Director-General (North), Campaign Spokesman, Deputy Spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director and other positions.

The party said the arrangement was designed to promote inclusiveness and cohesion within the campaign structure.

It added that a full organogram of the campaign structure had been developed since August and made available to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input, while nominations had also been received from other stakeholders across the country.

The NDC said it would announce and inaugurate the PCC after receiving the inputs of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

It also disclosed that a campaign timetable had been proposed since August, with arrangements for campaign funding and fundraising still being concluded.

According to the party, funds raised for the presidential campaign would be paid into the presidential campaign account and managed by officers nominated by the presidential candidate and his running mate alongside the party’s National Treasurer.

The party said the PCC inauguration, initially scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed because of the travel schedule of the presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, the NDC has directed its state and Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen to commence the compilation and harmonisation of party agents ahead of the 2027 elections.

The directive, according to the party, is in line with the Electoral Act, 2026, and requires state and LGA chairmen to meet with candidates and relevant stakeholders to produce comprehensive lists of agents.

The agents will be divided into two categories: those for National Assembly elections and those for governorship and State Assembly elections.

The party said the lists would be scrutinised and ratified by its leadership, including the presidential candidate and his running mate, before training commences.

The exercise is expected to be completed and the final lists submitted within two weeks of the directive.

The committee responsible for the appointment of party agents is chaired by the NDC Deputy National Chairman (South), Comrade Babatunde Alli. Vin Martin Ilo serves as secretary, while Dr Yunusa Tanko, Nafiu Dankura and the National Vice Chairmen of the six geopolitical zones are members.

The party also appealed to its candidates at all levels to discourage supporters and support groups from engaging in internal battles, urging them instead to concentrate on winning the elections.

“There are no battles to fight within the NDC,” the party stated, identifying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as its common opponent.

The NDC said it remained committed to supporting its candidates and urged them to focus on winning elections, stressing that its candidates were contesting under the party and not as independent candidates.

The party expressed its desire for all its candidates to win their respective elections and called on members and supporters to remain focused on the 2027 electoral contest.

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Wike Hails First Lady Oluremi Tinubu At 66, Says “She’s a pillar of support for Nigerians”

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2026

Austin Ojomah

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major pillar of support for President Bola Tinubu in particular and Nigerians, especially the vulnerable ones in general.

The FCT Minister, in a goodwill message to the First Lady on her 66th birthday, commended her for the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, saying “the roles the First Lady played in transforming the Abuja City Gate into how it is today, is a manifestation of her commitment to the success of her husband’s administration.”

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also hailed the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it has brought succor to several vulnerable Nigerians in the last three years.

Wike said; “At 66, the simple way of life of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has remained an inspiration to women in the country, and it is my prayer that God will continue to uphold her.

“Most importantly, this new age is a confirmation of God’s love for her, and I pray that the good Lord will continue to grant her good health.

“I celebrate and rejoice with our ever caring and development oriented First Lady on the attainment of this significant age in her life and wish her many more years of service to our country, Nigeria.”