The International Institute of Journalism has debunked certificate forgery allegations against Grace Ike, a candidate for the chairmanship election of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, who has since won the contest, and others.
The representatives of the IIJ, who were summoned by the Police Force Intelligence Department, made the revelation before the election was held.
The Eagle Online recalls that a statement before the election accused Ike of Advocates Broadcasting Network, Ndambabo Yahaya of the Voice of Nigeria, Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent, and Edeh Sandra Ogechukwu of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria of forging their Postgraduate Diploma Certificates in Journalism from the IIJ.
The statement was endorsed by Victorson Agbenson of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Johnchucks Onuanyim of New Telegraph Newspapers and Emeka Nze of Blueprint Newspapers.
The clarification, made known by the Institute during an inquiry by the FCT Police Command, reaffirmed the authenticity of the certificates presented by the candidates.
Also Read:
- EFCC condemns killing of officer, vows justice
- FG directs evacuation of victims of Suleja tanker explosion to tertiary medical centres
- Oborevwori: Raising the bar of governance with street credibility, by Jackson Ekwugum
- Peter Obi commiserates with Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde over his ex-wife, mother’s death
- Dangote refinery explains petrol price increase
A statement by the faction behind Ike said the development has “put to rest the smear campaign orchestrated by a faction of disgruntled journalists who lost out early during the electioneering process.
“The four names mentioned above vowed to drag other aspirants not in their camp to the mud hence the false allegation.
“For over six years, the NUJ FCT Council has been held hostage by a select group of journalists whose vested interests have stagnated the progress and integrity of the union.
“Now, with the winds of change sweeping through the council, these same individuals are resorting to desperate tactics, including leveling baseless accusations of certificate forgery against legitimate candidates.”
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, who spoke on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, stated that contrary to the petitioners’ prayers, the police cannot stop the election process and anyone who has grievances should approach the industrial court.
Ibitoye further stated that should the council need police protection for the election, a formal request should be made through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command.
The statement by the Ike faction added: “The controversy began when Victorson Agbeson of FRCN who had the intention to buy the nomination form but was scared of going to the contest told others who is working with that the only option is to malign the popular candidate.
“Victorson who chaired the FRCN cooperative and looted monies meant for the association has history of questionable leadership practices, alongside two others, filed a petition accusing Grace Ike of Advocates Broadcasting Network, Ndambabo Yahaya of Voice of Nigeria, Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent, and Edeh Sandra Ogechukwu of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria of forging their Postgraduate Diploma certificates in Journalism from IIJ.
“However, during their appearance before the police, the IIJ officials unequivocally confirmed that the certificates and statements of results presented by the accused candidates were genuine and had been duly issued by the institution.
“In their response, the IIJ representatives explained that the discrepancies highlighted by the petitioners – such as dates of admission and graduation – were administrative nuances that did not compromise the authenticity of the documents.
“They further clarified that the institution’s issuance process adheres strictly to academic protocols, and the candidates in question met all the requirements for their certifications.
“This revelation has exposed the petitioners’ allegations as a calculated attempt to discredit the candidates and manipulate the electoral process to their advantage.
“Victorson Agbenson, in particular, has been at the forefront of this smear campaign, seeking to divert attention from his inability to articulate a clear vision for the council.
“His actions, however, have only served to reinforce his reputation as a divisive figure unfit to lead a union that demands integrity and transparency.
“The Federal Capital Territory Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, reiterated that its involvement in the matter was purely investigatory and not an interference in the NUJ elections.
“This development marks a turning point for the NUJ FCT Council. For years, the council has suffered under a system that prioritized personal gain over collective progress. With the IIJ’s clarification, it is evident that the era of using falsehoods and intimidation to maintain the status quo is over….
“The truth has prevailed, and it is now clear that the allegations of certificate forgery were nothing more than a desperate ploy by those unwilling to relinquish their grip on power. Whether they like it or not, the NUJ FCT Council is poised for change, and every injustice done to its members will be addressed.
“The elections will undoubtedly mark the beginning of a brighter future for the NUJ FCT Council – a future built on integrity, transparency, and the unwavering resolve of journalists who refuse to be silenced.”
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
