THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has dismissed reports of its executive committee’s dissolution.
The exco members said they remained in office.
In a press release issued on Sunday, October 20, and signed by the council’s chairman, Osaretin Osadebamwen, and the secretary, Ochiaka Ugwu, the exco members said reports on their impeachment were untrue.
The statement noted that the state working committee (SWC) sack required strict adherence to the NUJ constitution.
Citing Article 5 of the union’s constitution, they stated: “The parameters to remove the SWC of the NUJ are set out in Article 5… It shall 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.”
Further emphasising the procedure, the exco noted: “Before the vote of no confidence is cast, the allegations shall be investigated by a panel, and the CWC members given the opportunity to defend themselves in keeping with Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.”
The exco further dismissed claims of any such process being followed and labelled the impeachment attempts as the work of a few individuals unwilling to follow due process.
“The SWC is not unaware of the desperation of a few individuals who are unwilling to follow due process and put their vaunted popularity to the test over certain fatal flaws in their ambitions.
“While the SWC has been restrained owing to its avowal to maintain the integrity and peace of the council which it has enjoyed over the past six years, it will resist every attempt to drag the union into disrepute by any individual or persons, however highly placed,” part of the statement warned.
The ICIR reported that the council members allegedly impeached the exco at a congress held at the NUJ secretariat in the nation’s capital.
The executive members were accused of attempting to impose a credentials committee for an upcoming election on December 4, 2024.
They alleged that the former chairman, Emmanuel Ogbeche, who currently serves as spokesperson for the Cross River State Governor, had endorsed a candidate and was part of the plot to install loyal credentials committee members.
Ogbeche was the NUJ FCT council chairman for five years before Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu appointed him as his spokesperson in June 2023.
Osadebamwe was Ogbeche’s deputy until the governor appointed him. The appointment paved the way for Osadebamwe’s elevation to lead the council.
Members alleged that the credentials committee members were loyal to the exco and that the process that led to their nomination at the congress was fraught with deceit.
The nominees include Emeka Nze, Blueprint, Francisca Udoh ITV, and Godfrey Okon of Abuja Inquirer.
While the exco members attempted to have their way with the team nominated as the credential members, the council protested, and the scene turned chaotic.
The ICIR reports that the failure of the Osadebamwe-led exco to yield to the council members’ demand led to a commotion, as aggrieved members chanted “We no go gree (we won’t accept), “We move for impeachment,” “You can’t dictate to us.”
The parties almost physically assaulted one another while banging tables and smashing available objects on the premises, including chairs.
The exco eventually invited armed police officers who retreated upon discovering that the crisis was a union affair.
Members consequently gathered signatures, with more than two-thirds of the congress signing to impeach the exco members.
The council directed chapel chairmen to take over the affairs of the FCT council while urging the NUJ national leadership to approve their decision to sack the exco members, and further called on the national body to appoint a caretaker committee for the FCT council.
Ogbeche, in response, denied the allegations and expressed shock over the involvement of the Cross River State Governor in the matter, calling it a “sheer red herring.”
“Why should my principal be interested in the NUJ FCT election? What benefit is that to him or the Cross State Government? This is a sheer red herring to put a wedge. I have no interest in the FCT election. All those behind this perfidy will have their day in court. Mischief brewed in hell,” he said.
He threatened legal action against media outlets that linked the governor to the NUJ crisis without seeking his reaction. “All those behind this perfidy will have their day in court. Mischief brewed in hell,” he declared.
Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via nyahaya@icirnigeria.org and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.