1 week Ago By Hamza Sani
In one month from today the Abuja Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) would come alive as members would be exercising their universal suffrage over who leads the council. The interesting thing about this year’s exercise is the insistence of members to the adherence to the NUJ Constitution 2023 (as amended). And here lies the trouble.
While some members want a new NUJ governed by extant laws and guidelines, others are canvassing for “business as usual.” However, this year’s election is more of a chess game where the aspirants are pawns. The actual contest is between power brokers who are at daggers drawn on who controls the soul of the FCT NUJ.
And here is where most members are disconnected from the reality on ground. It is worth noting that the immediate-past chairman of the council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, is considered a power broker whose hold on the council has suffocated the interest of others who are bent on getting its spoils. He is accused of building a dynasty and not allowing them a bite at an imaginary pie – fleece the council.
Observers said he also incurred the wrath of those who, for reasons of benefitting immensely from the council, believe they deserve to be considered as “Elders” at Utako, the council’s headquarters. Amid the plethora of unfathomable reasons his transducers have advanced for hating him, the Cross River born journalist has remained undaunting, insisting that Utako cannot be traded for persons whose interest is a far cry from the development of the union. It is based on this unflinching resolve to speak out, that an insider said his detractors opted for an aspirant with a large war chest and support from some members of the National Assembly and governors.
This choice seems to be rocking the ship of the NUJ election as the aspirant is splashing naira and dollars to sway votes. His caucus has called for meetings to consult and lobby members, with attendants reportedly leaving the venue of the meetings smiling to their banks. There are reports of squabbles in one of the government owned media houses where a staff, acting as liaison between the organisation and the aspirant’s camp, is accused of cornering hundreds of dollars allegedly given by the aspirant to be shared among staff as part of her lobbying machinery.
Thus, some journalists who would’ve participated in the upcoming election have in hushtones, indicated to stay away from Utako during the exercise. No doubt, they’re concerned about the aftermath if the aspirant loses. And many wonder: what’s behind the desperation? An answer that can only be provided by the subject.
But as the FCT council prepares for the November 2024 elections, sounds of caution must come that the interest, survival and continuity are paramount. Security agencies must also be put on the alert to investigate the sources of funds of contestants, if and after they are cleared to contest Elders of the council must, as a matter of duty to the profession, close ranks and protect the profession and practitioners, many of whom consider this a calling, and not just a job. The emphasis must be on qualification to practice, and not practice to qualify as stipulated by the relevant sections of the NUJ Constitution 2023 (as amended in Kano, Nigeria).
Hamza Sani, Abuja.
