…Passes Vote Of Confidence On Isiguzo-Led Executive
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has resolved to hold a national election for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in June, 2021.
Rising from its meeting held in Asaba, Delta State on Friday, April 16, 2021, NEC said the issue of SWAN was exhaustively discussed before the decision to hold the SWAN election was taken.
Consequently, a seven-member committee was set up to conduct the fresh election for the Association. They include: National Treasurer, Mohammed She as Chairman; VP, Zone F, Edward Ogude (member); Chairman, Lagos Council, Adeleye Ajayi (member) while two members each will be selected from the contending groups.
In a communique jointly compiled by John Angese, IshakaDedan Donald, Ladi Emmanuel and signed by Shuaibu Usman Leman, WalinShadalafiya (National Secretary), NEC passed a vote of confidence on the National President of NUJ, Chief Chris Usiguzo and his team, having, according to them, taken due cognizance of the immense contributions and efforts to move the Union forward despite all odds.
The communique added that a three-member committee has been set up resolve the vote of no confidence passed by Chairmen and Secretaries of Zone B on their Vice President, Cosmos Oni over issue of his retirement from service. The committee were mandated to determine the status of re-employment and report within two weeks to the National Secretariat.
The communique stressed that the National Secretariat has been mandated to implement the recommendations of the committee without any further recourse to it. The committee members include AbiodunAbdulkareem, National Financial Secretary, as Chairman, Ladi Bala, National President of NAWOJ as Member and Michael Ikeogu, Chairman of Delta as Secretary. Another Committee was also setup to look into the allegations against the Kwara State Council, to be headed by the Vice President of the Zone, Wilson Bako, the National Trustee, Ali Atabo and Ladi Emmanuel, National Ex Officio, as members.
The communique went on: “On the issue of Ogun State council in which judgement was given against the Union, NEC directs that Status-quo be maintained pending the determination of the case on appeal. NEC condemns those members who took the laws into their hands and cautions against a repeat of such dastardly act”.
On the state of the nation, NEC noted that the continuous nonpayment of salaries of journalists by some Media owners has again been reviewed by the meeting and NEC believes that this negative trend continues to impact negatively on the practice of journalism. Media owners who owe journalists should discharge their obligations in this respect, responsibly and as when due, adding that a situation where some journalists are made to work for months without any salary is an aberration and should be condemned.
The meeting recalled that in May 2020, the NUJ wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari appealing for a bailout fund for the media, primarily because of the Covid 19 Pandemic which has affected the global economy. NEC in session appealed once more to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to save the Media Industry from collapse. It reiterates its earlier position that a vibrant and independent Media is germane in a democracy and as such it should be jealously guarded and protected.
In reviewing the contributions of TETfund to tertiary education over the years, NEC commended the Management of the intervention agency led by Prof Suleiman Elias Bogoro of doing an excellent job but however appealed for injection of sufficient funds into TETfund to ensure a complete overhaul of the Nation’s tertiary education system. It believes that increase in tax collection would translate to more funds to finance projects in tertiary institutions, thereby improving education quality.
On security challenges, NEC urgedthe Federal Government to rejig the Security apparatus to enable it effectively tackle these challenges, especially the insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnappings, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality that have assumed dangerous dimensions, thereby making free movement of people, goods and services from one part of the country to another a difficult challenge.
“To further strengthen the Security architecture, NEC also calls on the federal government to accede to the clamour for State Police to bolster the security system.
“The meeting while looking at the challenges of banditry in the Northwest, applauds the approach of the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle in the handling of the security situation in the State that has brought some form of respite and peace. NEC encourages more of such positive engagements as a means of eradicating such heinous acts by gangs.
“The Union regrets the unprovoked killing of Nigerian soldiers while on assignment to help restore peace in some warring communities in Benue State and calls for proper investigation to fish out the culprits. However, NEC cautions against the use of excessive force in this process in order to avoid any collateral damages.
While appreciating the role of security check-points on the nation’s highways in reducing crime, NEC equally notes the hardships haulage trucks and transporters face because of extortion by security personnel. The meeting enjoins the Inspector General of Police and other agencies whose personnel are involved to address the issue in the best interest of motorists and other commuters.
“NEC tasks the Federal Government to tackle the problems of electricity supply with all the seriousness it can muster.It also urges government to enforce the directive on metering as Nigerians have been subjected to more punishment for being made to pay for energy not consumed. The system of bulk payment to Electricity companies is callous and should be stopped without any delay.
“NEC expresses profound gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for graciously approving the request to host the NEC meeting in Asaba despite the economic realities in the country. It applauds the Governor for providing quality leadership in Delta State particularly in the area of infrastructure development spread across the State and the capital, Asaba. NEC also commends the support of Governor Okowa towards the completion of the NUJ Press Centre Complex in Asaba”.
