News

NUJ FCT Council Osadebamwe-led EXCO Impeached

Published

1 month ago

October 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as congress accuse chairman of high-handedness during nomination of Credential Committee

By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Terpritory (FCT) Council have impeached the Council Chairman, Patrick Osadebamwe and his Executive Council (EXCO).

The aggrieved Journalists cutting accros various Chapels in the nation’s capital unanimously resolved to sign impeachment notice during the heated Congress held at Council’s Secretariat located in Utako District of Abuja on Saturday.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that before the commencement of the nomination exercise, Comrade Henry Umoru, an editor with Vanguard Newspapers had drawn the attention of the embattled Chairman to the exclusion of the Nomination Committee on the draft agenda drawn in the minute of the last Congress.

In his response, Comrade Osadebamwe admitted that the decision was deliberate with a view to ascertain the importance of the forthcoming elections, the amended agenda was thereafter adopted.

Trouble started when Comrade Osadebamwe-led EXCO called a set of members allegedly from the camp of his ally to nominate members of the Credentials Committee for the upcoming Council’s Election on the 4th December, 2024.

But overwhelming members in attendance in their numbers protested against the lopsidedness in the choice of the nominees who were allegedly known to be his loyalists.

Aroused by the unethical and unprofessional actions and inactions of the Patrick Osadebamwe-led Exco, some of the members believed to be loyal to him and his EXCO advised him to nominate members of the credentials committee, which many suspected was staged managed.

All pleas and protests by the Congress, rejecting the nominations, fell on deaf ears just as their insistence to subjects those nominated to voting was rejected by the EXCO.

According to members, the impeached EXCO had met with select members on the directives of the former chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche who is an Aide to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross Rivers State to pre-select the credentials committees.

Some Congress members further alleged that the embattled ex-chairman, his EXCO, and their loyalists met at a Garden in Utako, and planned the grand imposition, which met stiff resistance.

According to some members of the union, Ogbeche has a candidate for the election and instructed his successor and erstwhile subordinate, Osadebamwen, to put in place all modalities for his “anointed” candidate to win by all means.

The former FCT Council Chairman, Ogbeche, had boasted that his principal, Governor Otu, was interested in the election and directed to support a particular candidate.

The refusal of Osadebamwe-led EXCO to yield to demand of the Congress led to a commotion in the hall with the chanting “We no go gree o, we no go gree’, ‘we move for impeachment you can’t dictate to us!” while there were smashing of chairs and almost exchange of blows.

Those nominated were Emeka Nze, Blueprint, Francisca Udoh ITV, and Godfrey Okon of Abuja Inquirer.

Consequently, the erstwhile chairman and his EXCO whom most members described as ‘unpopular’ called armed police personnel to chase out the protesting members, but upon arrival, members chanted ‘No Police! No Police!’ and the charged atmosphere made the operatives to leave the venue of the Congress.

While the drama ensued, signatures were collected with more than 178 out of 255 two-thirds of the Congress signing for the impeachment of the Osadebamwe-led EXCO.

Some members leading the impeachment process called on NUJ National Leadership to ensure the ratification of the sack of the FCT Council EXCO and appoint a caretaker committee.

Meanwhile, Chapel Chairmen after normalcy returned, resolved to take over the affairs of the FCT Council pending when the National Secretariat of the Union will set up a Caretaker Committee.

News

HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

5 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.

Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”

In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.

“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.

“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024

“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.

“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.

Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment

Published

9 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of theDecember 4, 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council (FCT) election, Comrade Grace Ike, will flag-off her campaign for the position of Chairman with free eye check for journalists on Sunday, November 24, 2024, by 12 noon.

The exercise, under the auspices of the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC), which will be held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, is expected to attract interested journalists and her teeming supporters across all chapels.

According to Comrade Ike, the reason behind the free eye checks for journalists is based on the critical role their eyes play in their daily tasks as watchdogs and also being a critical organ of the body, there is the need to be attended to and checked by qualified ophthalmologists to boost their productivity.

During the flag-off, the Ike will unveil her campaign management team and itinerary in line with the NUJ FCT Council Election timetable.

The campaign will be anchored on the slogan, “One Voice, New Era” and focused on Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, New Innovation/Creativity, Improved Welfare & All-round Empowerment for members.

Naijablittznews.com reports Comrade Ike was yesterday cleared by the Credentials Committee and declared elected by the NUJ National as the only candidate for the position of Chairman in the December 4, NUJ-FCT election.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

11 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.