By Laraba MUREY
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Christopher Isiguzo, has described his re-election for another three years as a humbling experience, though tasking.
Isiguzo, who was returned to office with 665 votes over his rival, Yusuf Idris, appreciated the commitment and achievements of the Central Working Committee at the 7th Triennial Delegates Conference which held in Umuahia, Abia State.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, three years ago when I assumed office as National President of the NUJ, we were conscious of the fact that members of the Union needed an organisation that works and meets their needs.
“Three years later, I stand boldly before my colleagues that entrusted their mandate to me, to state that certainly, things have changed significantly for better as the Union has moved from despair to hope, from difficulty in breathing to being alive once again, from a position of low morale of staff and members to reinvigoration and rejuvenation.
“In spite of the feat recorded, we are not unaware of the fact that it is still a journey in progress.
“It is on this note that I want to make a solemn pledge that members of the Greater Heights Team are committed and more determined than ever to move the union forward by improving on our modest achievements which we placed before all of you in black and white.
“During our campaigns that took us to most states in the six geo-political zones of the country which further afforded us the opportunity to interact with our members and deduce their needs and direction for the Union emerging as the winner coming in for the second term,” he said”
Speaking on the state of NUJ, he said “The union is now stating clearly and boldly that our collective interests shall at all times supersede that of any individual, no matter how highly placed.
“In this way, the established organs of the union shall henceforth take appropriate action against any erring member without let or hindrance.
“The posture where some people assume that they are above the rules and procedures of the union can no longer be tolerated.”
Other officials elected are Deputy National President, Alhassan Yahaya, Treasurer, Dele Atunbi, Financial Secretary Samuel Dada and Ladi Emmanuel as Auditor.
Police parade 20 suspects in Benue for robbery, cultism
By Scholastica JOSEPH, Makurdi
The police in Benue state have paraded 20 suspects for various criminal offences ranging from armed robbery, cultism, illegal arms possession and among others.
Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Olatunji Akingbola, who paraded the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Makurdi, last week, said the police also recovered firearms and ammunition.
Akingbola said he has put in measures to ensure that criminals do not go scot free.
The commissioner expressed worry over vandalisation of critical infrastructure especially railway slippers, noting that local militia gangs, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, humanitarian challenges, violent communal clashes and illicit arms/ drug trafficking have continued to threaten the peace of the state.
Akingbola however disclosed that his vision is to leave behind a solid infrastructural base for the people of the state by putting in place a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to deter people from crime and criminality.
“Already, some of these measures have been activated and are yielding some appreciable degree of success on its path.
“The measures which are in line with the management objectives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba include constructive engagement and community partnerships, public campaigns and advocacy, intelligence led policing.”
According to the CP, the command has also embarked on recovery of illegal firearms and light weapons as well as ensuring zero tolerance for corruption and respect for human rights.
