The ongoing trial over the controversial July 31, 2024, Kwara State NUJ election took a dramatic turn on Tuesday at the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Judicial Division, when two lawyers simultaneously announced appearances for one of the petitioners, Saka Laaro.
Barrister B.D. Asanam, who has consistently represented the petitioners, Fadeyi Babajide of the Federal Information Chapel and Saka Laaro of the Correspondents’ Chapel, formally announced his appearance at the hearing. However, another lawyer, Abubakar Katibi, unexpectedly stood up and also declared legal representation for Saka Laaro, causing confusion and raising concerns within the courtroom.
The atmosphere grew tense as murmurs of disbelief filled the room, casting doubts over the integrity of the legal proceedings.
In response to the confusion, the presiding judge adjourned the case to March 4, urging the counsels to reconcile and clarify the rightful representation for the petitioner.
In a related development, Saka Laaro reportedly collapsed during a visit to the chambers of Barrister Issa Manzuma, the lawyer representing the petitioners.
The embattled Kwara NUJ Chairman, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, allegedly accompanied Laaro unannounced to Manzuma’s office. Reports suggest that Ahmed attempted to pressure Laaro into withdrawing his petition against the election results.
During the visit, Laaro suddenly collapsed and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he received medical attention.
The incident has heightened tensions surrounding the trial, with many viewing it as evidence of the high-pressure tactics allegedly being employed by the respondents in the case.
At the previous court sitting, the defendants failed to appear, but their counsel, M.A. Bello, submitted a letter explaining his absence, citing a concurrent obligation in another court.
Members of the NUJ have accused the defendants of deliberately employing delay tactics to frustrate the legal process.
These tactics, they argue, reflect the defendants’ lack of confidence in their defense.
Some union members also alleged that the manipulative practices used during the disputed election are now being extended to the legal process, destabilizing the proceedings.
The dispute centres on allegations of irregularities during the July 31, 2024, Kwara NUJ election.
Petitioners, Saka Laaro and Fadeyi Babajide accused the NUJ National Secretariat of altering delegate lists without proper consultation, employing an open ballot system contrary to constitutional provisions, and allowing unqualified individuals to participate in the election.
The petitioners, in case number NICN/IL/08/2024, are seeking the annulment of the election and a directive for fresh polls.
The respondents in the suit include former NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo; former Vice President (North Central), Chris Atsaka; National Secretary, Achike Chude; Kwara Chairman Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, and Kwara election officials Abdulhamid Gbadamosi Alaye and Sulyman Bolaji Gobir.
Former Sobi FM Chapel Chairman and one of the contestants in the disputed election, Dare Akogun, had accused Kwara correspondent for Leadership newspapers, Abdullahi Olesin, of interfering in the case.
Akogun alleged that Olesin pressured the co-petitioners to withdraw the suit by convening meetings with their legal representatives and engaging in blackmail tactics, despite not being involved in the matter.
Many union members have expressed concerns over the defendants’ strategies, claiming that the delays and interference are aimed at undermining the petitioners’ case.
Others view these actions as evidence of the alleged irregularities during the election, calling for accountability to ensure justice is served.
Concerns are growing within the NUJ community that the alleged manipulations during the election are now being extended into the courtroom, posing a threat to the credibility of the judicial process.
Union members have called on the judiciary and legal professionals to safeguard the integrity of the court and prevent the NUJ from damaging its reputation further.
As the court prepares to reconvene in March, all eyes are on this critical case.
For the petitioners and their supporters, it represents an opportunity to restore faith in the union’s integrity. For the defendants, it is a test of their commitment to transparency and ethical leadership.
For the broader NUJ community, this case is a stark reminder that the struggle for justice, though fraught with challenges,must remain steadfast.
The Kwara NUJ election saga is more than a courtroom drama. It is a battle for truth, a demand for accountability, and a quest to uphold the noble ideals of journalism.
