By Patrick Wemambu, Abuja
The National Advisory Council (NAC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has ended its plenary meeting which convened in Abuja on Thursday 7th November 2024.
In a communique issued and signed by Hon. Chief George Izobo, Ogbeni Lanre Ogundipe, Senator Smart Adeyemi, Ogbeni Waheed Odusile, Dr. Chris Isiguzo and Leman Shuaibu Usman, the Council deliberated on matters affecting the union with recommendations on the way forward.
Responding to calls from concerned journalists requesting its intervention regarding various disputes plaguing the network of media professionals, the NAC said it was necessary to address the stated issues with a view to forestalling any potential crisis before the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the trade organization slated for November 28, 2024 in Owerri, Imo State.
Agenda for the meeting included litigation on purported elongation of the current Central Working Committee (CWC) whose term in office was due to have elapsed 5th October, 2024 but the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union resolved to hold elections November 28, 2024. Other matters were disqualification of certain aspirants for positions at the upcoming delegates’ conference, alleged meddlesomeness of some actors in preparatory processes for the national elections and state council election disputes involving Kwara and Bayelsa leading to legal proceedings.
In its general observations, the NAC noted the issues raised by Dr. Chris Isiguzo in his state of the Union report but acknowledged that disputes and related court cases were not unusual during periods leading up to delegates’ conferences. On purported tenure elongation, it was pointed out that similar extensions have been a recurring decimal since the nationalization of the NUJ in 1985. Regardless, such prolongation would do well to follow constitutional stipulations.
Deliberating on the disqualification of candidates, the council regretted that allegations of interference in screening processes lacked sufficient proof. Pooh-poohing state council election disputes with members taking legal actions without fully exploring internal resolution mechanisms, the body advocated enhanced mutual understanding on the part of all and sundry within the union.
Charting the way forward, NAC recommended that future NUJ administrations should reflect on the successes of their predecessors towards endeavouring to build on those achievements. This is even as all disputing parties within the organization were enjoined to reconcile ahead of the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference to ensure a smooth event and the Credentials Committee was mandated to review its screening processes to eliminate possible unnecessary barriers.
Just as it championed enhanced unity in the union’s management at all levels, the council threw its weight behind suggestions for members’ improved welfare while upholding ethical standards for better service to society. Litigants against the union both at national and state levels were advised to withdraw their court cases while NAC members are to be invited as observers to election processes.
Concluding, the council outlined some future prospects for the NUJ which included digital transformation (embracing online platforms), diversifying revenue streams (additional revenue sources), collaborative networking (forge partnerships with international media outlets), advocacy and policy influencing (strengthening lobbying for press freedom, etc) and professional development (training, mentorship and capacity-building). Others are developing a future-oriented strategic plan, membership engagement, innovation and adaptability.
 of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has ended its plenary meeting which convened in Abuja on Thursday 7th November 2024.){kind=link}