Ahead of the forthcoming Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, a call has been made to the Credentials Committee to conduct a fresh re-screening of aspirants with emphasis on the constitution of the union.
The call was made in a communique from a meeting convened by the National Advisory Council of the NUJ in Abuja on November 7, 2024.
The NUJ National Advisory Council, established under Article 5, C (12) of the Union’s Constitution, comprises past National Presidents and past National Secretaries.
Although the Council does not possess binding decision-making authority, it plays a pivotal role in offering strategic guidance to the union’s National Leadership.
The November 7, 2024 meeting was convened at the behest of the President of the NUJ, Dr. Chris Isiguzo.
This meeting responded to calls from the National President and concerned journalists requesting NAC’s intervention regarding various disputes within the union.
NAC said it deemed it necessary to address these issues to forestall any potential crisis before the union’s 8th Triennial Delegates Conference scheduled for November 28, 2024 in Owerri, Imo State.
According to the statement, the prevailing issues facing the union are:
1. Litigation on Purported Tenure Elongation: The Union is facing a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court, where litigants allege unconstitutional tenure extension.
The tenure of the current Central Working Committee (CWC) was due to end on October 5, 2024, but the Union’s National Executive Council resolved to hold elections on November 28, 2024.
2. Disqualification of Contestants: Certain Aspirants for positions at the upcoming Delegates Conference have alleged that they were disqualified for trivial reasons.
3. Calls for Intervention by Past Leaders: Some NUJ members have urged past Union leaders to intervene, citing alleged meddlesome actions in the preparatory processes for the national elections.
4. State Council Election Disputes: Two State Councils including, Kwara, and Bayelsa, are experiencing election-related issues some of which have led to legal proceedings.
In reaction to the issues, NAC observed:
1. Disputes and related court cases are not unusual during periods leading up to Delegates’ Conferences.
2. On Purported Tenure Elongation: NAC observes that similar extensions have been a recurring issue since the NUJ’s nationalisation in 1985, provided such extensions follow the constitutional processes.
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3. Disqualification of Candidates: NAC finds that allegations of interference in the screening processes lack sufficient proof.
4. State Council Issues: Council notes a weakened control mechanism within some State Councils, resulting in members taking legal action without fully exploring internal resolution mechanisms.
The Council views this as a matter of attitude and maturity, affecting the union’s cohesion.
It called for enhanced mutual understanding and maturity within the union.
To achieve this, NAC made the following recommendations:
1. Future NUJ administrations should reflect on the successes of past regimes and build on these achievements.
2. Council urges for enhanced unity in the union’s management at all levels. Union leadership should work to improve practitioners’ welfare and uphold ethical standards for better service to society.
3. While examining the root causes of communication breakdowns, NAC cautions against allowing minor issues to fragment the Union.
4. All disputing parties within the Union are encouraged to reconcile, allowing the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference to proceed smoothly. Disruption at this critical transitional period would harm the Union.
5. The Credentials Committee for the Delegates Conference should review its screening process to eliminate any unnecessary barriers, ensuring a peaceful election. This must be done in line with the constitution of the Union.
6. Litigants against the Union, both at the national and state levels, are advised to withdraw their court cases to facilitate smooth Union operations.
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