Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The National Leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has intervened in the dispute in the Bayelsa Council over the conduct of the October 31 state triennial Congress.
The Bayelsa NUJ led by Comrade Samuel Numonengi, had in the last few weeks been gripped by power struggle among various interests determined to enthrone their preferred candidates to succeed the present leadership.
While some group backed the incumbent Secretary, Comrade Ogio Clement, to succeed the outgoing Council Chairman, Samuel Numonengi, due to maturity and non-combatant disposition to issues, others believed that the former Chairman of the Radio Bayelsa chapel, Tonye Yemoleigha will provide a new breath of fresh air in leadership.
However, the Five-members committee of the 2024 Credentials Committee led by the Chairman, Yola Amieyefa, threw the two groups off balance with the disqualification of most of the candidates based on meeting attendance, professional practice qualification and payment of check-off dues.
Only the Incumbent Secretary, Comrade Ogio Clement was cleared for meeting all requirements. But the rival group led by a one-time Chairman, kicked and insisted that every candidate be cleared and the election be made a family affair.
Sources hinted that immediately the credentials committee published it’s report, the national Secretariat of the NUJ was bombarded with petitions and protest from within and outside the NUJ fold.
A meeting convened by the State Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Hon. Ebiuyowo Koku Obiyai, was however ineffective as it was purportedly considered “not in line with NUJ spirit.”
The incumbent State Chairman, Comrade Samuel Numonengi, was however invited to brief the National Secretariat on the development.
The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, after series of consultation meeting with the factions involved in the power struggle over the conduct of the election, concluded that few persons are cleared and allowed to contest the election in line with the constitution.
The National NUJ, in the letter dated 25th of October, 2024 and with reference number, NUJ/NS/SC/Vol.1 signed by the National Assistant Secretary, Akoride Opeyemi, and copied to the Vice President, Zone D, the Bayelsa NUJ has been cleared to conduct its elections and an additional Six candidates cleared to participate in the election.
Those cleared for the October 31st Bayelsa NUJ election include the Chairmanship candidates, Ogio Clement and Tonye Yemoleigha.
Others include Comrade Preye Inebraton (NDTV), Inaigo Tobin-West (New Waves Newspapers), Zitimiyola Ebinimi (NTA), Abassa Tare Solomon (The Light Chapel) and Amgbare Ekaunkumo of (United Correspondents’ Chapel).
Those not cleared are Ebiowei Lawal (FCC), Stanley Imgbi of the Information Chapel, Theophilus Agidi, Daar Communications Chapel, Tekinyo Theophilus, Information Chapel, Janet Twonmute, NDTV, Aqua Akpuruku, Royal Fm chapel and Iwolo Izuongere, Royal FM chapel.
In his comment on the decision of the National Secretariat of the NUJ, the Chairman of the 2024 Credentials Committee led by the Chairman, Yola Amieyefa, expressed optimism for the conduct of the election and lifted the ban on campaigns for the poll.
In his brief, state Chairman, Samuel Numonengi, advised journalists to abide by the decision of the NUJ national Secretariat, called on them to come out on Thursday October 31, to vote for candidates of their choice.
