Breaks two-decade one term jinx
By Sarah NEGEDU & Scholastica Joseph, Makurdi
Editor of The Abuja Inquirer Newspaper, Emmanuel Ogbeche, has been reelected chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, ending nearly two-decade tradition of one-term chairmanship in the council.
Ogbeche was declared winner of the keenly contested election which took place over the weekend when he clinched 450 of the 518 votes cast, to defeat his opponent, Donald Ugwu of the News Agency of Nigeria who got only 59 votes.
The NUJ chairman in his acceptance speech extended a hand of friendship to his opponent with a promise to work with all to move the council to the next level, while also ensuring that the rights of journalists in the FCT are protected.
“For those who ran against us; without you this contest would have had no meaning. We offer you a hand of friendship, we invite you to join us to take FCT NUJ to the next level. The ideas you have, please let bring it to bear, we are willing to work with you.”
To other partners and stakeholders, Ogbeche assured that, “We are going to work closely with you to achieve media independence, advocacy and rights of Journalist in the FCT and by extension, Nigeria,” he promised.
He further added that the council will work even closer with the FCT authorities and other stakeholders to realise both the objectives of the union and a city that works for all.
According to him, “there are infrastructural challenges yet at the council as well as other social issues in the territory, such as in education. We will work with the FCTA and other stakeholders to realise these objectives. One area which we intend to convene a town hall meeting is on public education in Abuja.”
In a related development, the Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, has, on behalf of himself, Government and people of Benue the State congratulated Ogbeche on his reelection.
The governor in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, said Ogbeche’s reelection was “well-deserved” considering his performance in his first tenure.
He also commended journalists in Abuja for the peaceful and democratic manner in which the election was conducted.
“I wish to on behalf of the good and peace-loving people of Benue state, heartily congratulate Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche on his reelection for another term of three years.
“Your victory was well-deserved and expected because of your landmark achievements in the past three years.
“I believe your colleagues were enthralled by your outstanding performance hence their decision to vote massively for your reelection.
“I wish you a successful tenure and enjoin you and the new executive to place nation above personal and practice journalism in strict compliance with the ethics of the profession.
“As a strong advocate of peace, justice, equity and fairness, I urge the chairman with his members in Abuja to speak truth to power through their reportage and eschew fake news, which is doing more harm than good to the nation,” Or tom said.
The governor further charged Mr. Ogbeche and his executive committee members to work for the unity of the nation and prayed for their successful tenure.
According to him, “I pray that you will enjoy a successful and peaceful tenure and continue to push for a Nigeria where peace, justice and fairness takes the centre stage.”
Some executives who were returned unopposed included Patrick Osadebamwen of The Tribune Newspapers as Vice Chairman, Ochiaka Ugwu of Peoples Daily as Secretary, and Aisha Kadala of Aso Radio and Television as Treasurer.
Others include Gloria Essien of Voice of Nigeria as Financial Secretary and Dorcas Jonah from NAN, as Assistant Secretary.
A total of 520 journalists from the 28 chapels in the FCT were accredited to vote in the triennial election, however 518 cast their votes of which 9 were voided.
