Sequel to the development at the end of Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) FCT Council on Saturday October 19, 2024 held at the NUJ Secretariat Plot 4, Cadastral Zone, BO5, Ekukinam Street,
Utako,Abuja which led to the impeachment of the State Working Committee ( SWC ) of the council by the members on the ground of gross violation of the provision of Article 5 (9d) which stipulates that “ The Credentials Committee at the State Council level shall be nominated by the State Congress subject to the approval of the National Secretariat “
The Chairman of the Council, Mr. Patrick Osadebamwen who presided over the congress was accused of throwing caution to the wind with outright and open display of bias, partiality and favoritism and picked some members strategically positioned and hired by the “anointed candidate ” to nominate “would-be-members” of the Credential
Committee.
The situation compelled over two third 2/3 majority members in attendance at the Congress to resolve and pass a ‘Vote of No Confidence’ and subsequently impeached the entire executive members.
We note with dismay the ridiculous, undemocratic and unconstitutional actions of Mr. Patrick led executives at the 19th October 2024 Congress and in the view of the above misdemeanours and infractions on the part of the State Working Committee ( SWC ), the State Executive Committee ( SEC ) considered it necessary and held an emergence meeting today Sunday October 20, 2024 and took the following decisions in exercising the power vested in it ;
1 : The SEC in line with its mandate as provided in the constitution of the union
hereby ratified and endorsed the resolution of the Congress taken on Saturday October 19, 2024.
2: The SEC hereby announces the take over of the NUJ FCT Council as from today Sunday October 20, 2024 and the general public and Nigerian government should not have any official engagement with Mr. Patrick Osadebamwen’s led executive as from this moment onwards.
3: The SEC will communicate the new date for the Congress for the purpose of constituting a Credential Committee that would organize elections for the council in due course.
4: The impeached executives members are hereby warned in their own interest to desist forthwith from parading themselves as the officials of the council. Also members are advised to ignore and disregard any press statement purportedly emanating from one Mr. Patrick Osadebamwen’s and Mr. Ochiaka Ugwu and their allies.
5 : The SEC appeals to the members of the union to remain calm and be law abiding as we explore all constitutional provisions to ensure that normalcy return to the FCT Council. Also the SEC has formally notified the National Secretariat of the union of the situation in the council accordingly.
The following decisions were taken in the overall interest of the Council and saved it from further public opprobrium and embarrassment, and ridicule. We must maintain the sanctity of the NUJ FCT Council because of its integral role in the Union as a whole.
The action of the SEC was guided by the provisions of Article 5 Part C 10a-b and Part E (1h) which states that : 10. (a). The Central Working Committee (CWC) shall, upon a vote of no confidence by two- thirds (2/3) majority of votes of members of the National Executive Council (NEC) be dissolved. This shall, however, be based on proven allegations of anti-union activity, maladministration, financial impropriety, misconduct and commission of crimes capable of dragging the name of the union into disrepute.
b). Where the CWC is dissolved, the National Secretary shall immediately notify the State Council Chairmen and Secretaries who shall take over and run the affairs of the Union and conduct elections within three months.”
Part E (1h ) The SEC shall perform similar functions as NEC at the State Council level. SWC shall perform similar functions as the CWC at the State Council level
Attached herewith are the names of the SEC members present at the meeting.
SIGNED
1: Yahaya Ndambabo- Chairman VON Chapel
2: Collins Yakubu-Hammer- Chairman NAN Chapel
3: Shakirat Alabi ‘ Chairperson, FRCN,(ABUJA OPERATIONS)
4: Niyi Lawal – Secretary, FCTA Chapel
5 :Abubakar Akwanga- Chairman, NTA Chapel
6 : Usman Katun Umar – Secretary, ASO RADIO/TV
7 : Mr. Austin Ekanem Chairman Flame Chapel
- Funmilayo Adeyemi Secretary, NAN Chapel
- Elder Gbenga Salami- Pilot Chapel
10: Ikechukwu- Chairman Federal Ministry of Information
11 : Sunny Iyogun- Secretary Federal Ministry of Information
12 : Love – Secretary Flame Chapel
13 : Onuh Holina – Chairman Aso Radio/TV
14: Ngozi Uloma Ufomba- Chairman FCTA Chapel
15: Jide Oyekunle – Chairman Correspondents Chapel