The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has called on members to disregard a boycott order issued by Patrick Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, referred to as former officials without authority.
In a joint statement signed by key chapel leaders, the SEC accused the duo of spreading false information to undermine preparations for the NUJ FCT Council elections scheduled for December 4, 2024.
The SEC emphasized that the sale of nomination forms is being conducted by the legitimate Credentials Committee, in line with the union’s constitution.
The statement reads: “The Credentials Committee operates under the constitution and has been cleared by the National Secretariat. It is independent of state and national officers, as stipulated in Article 5(9C)”.
The SEC clarified that Osadebamwen and Ugwu were impeached during a Congress held on October 19, 2024, and have no legal standing within the union, and urged members interested in contesting positions to obtain nomination forms from the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, starting November 8.
The council dismissed the boycott directive from the impeached individuals as baseless, describing their actions as “illegitimate, illegal, and void”, and reassured members that security agencies have been informed of the impeachment and urged members to carry out their union activities without fear of intimidation.
“We will not engage in public exchanges or inflammatory rhetoric, despite provocations,” the SEC stated, reaffirming its focus on protecting the union’s integrity.
The statement was endorsed by several chapel leaders, including:
– Jide Oyekunle, Chairman, NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel
– Yahaya Ndambabo, Chairman, VON Chapel
– Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, Chairman, FCTA Chapel
– Collins Yakubu-Hammer, NAN Chapel
– Onuh Holina, Chairman, Aso Radio/TV Chapel
The SEC reiterated its call for unity and adherence to constitutional procedures, concluding: “For the union makes us strong.”