The crisis within the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has escalated into a deeply troubling standoff, as the Council Chairman, Abdulateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, continues to defy explicit directives issued by the National Secretariat in a letter dated July 25, 2025.
In what can only be described as a blatant challenge to the authority of the Union’s highest administrative body, the Kwara NUJ leadership has, seven days after receiving the directive, failed to comply with instructions to reverse an illegal ₦10,000 levy imposed on members, reinstate unlawfully removed members from the Council’s WhatsApp platform, and nullify the unconstitutional suspension of Mr. Dare Akogun, former Chairman of the Sobi FM Chapel and others.
“The Council is required to begin the process of implementing the above directives,” the National Secretariat stated unequivocally.
The failure to act on these directives is not merely a violation of the NUJ Constitution; it represents a calculated affront to the unity and integrity of the Union at the national level.
According to concerned members, “By disregarding the National Secretariat’s directive, the Kwara Council Chairman has effectively undermined the authority of the highest organ of the Union. This raises grave concerns: if the national body can issue binding orders that are ignored without consequence, what institutional power does it really possess? What precedent is being set for other councils across the country?”
Members argue that this open defiance exposes a critical weakness in the NUJ’s enforcement mechanisms. The growing perception among members and the wider public is that the National Secretariat has become a toothless bulldog, unable to enforce its own rules or protect the constitution it is sworn to uphold.
“The implications are severe. This situation not only damages the credibility of the national leadership but calls into question its control over the Union. If it cannot enforce its own directives, its legitimacy is under threat. Future directives may face similar resistance, potentially leading to widespread disorder across the Federation,” they said.
They further warned that under its current leadership, the Kwara NUJ risks becoming a rogue entity, isolated, subject to potential sanctions, and suffering reputational damage that could affect its standing, partnerships, and participation in national events.
“The ongoing abuse of power, infringement on members’ rights, and the unlawful imposition of levies are direct assaults on the welfare and dignity of journalists. When members lose faith in the Union’s ability to protect them, even from internal oppression, the very purpose of the Union is compromised,” they emphasized.
The members also lamented that the NUJ’s image as a democratic, rights-driven professional body is under siege. “When journalists violate their own rules, suppress dissent, and abuse institutional power, it reflects poorly not just on the Union, but on the entire profession. Public trust in journalism suffers.”
They stressed that this is no longer a local issue, but a national crisis requiring immediate intervention.
“The National Executive Council must act decisively. If it allows this defiance to stand, it will be endorsing a dangerous precedent of lawlessness. The Council must enforce its directives through appropriate disciplinary measures or risk a complete erosion of its authority.”
They concluded with a solemn warning: “The NUJ was founded on principles of justice, accountability, and freedom. Today, those principles are under threat. The pressing question is: will the national body assert its leadership, or continue to stand by as its authority is publicly ridiculed?
History is watching. Thousands of journalists are watching. And so is the Nigerian public.
