Rivers State

Sequel to the stalemated election of Rivers State Chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists on 12th July, 2021 and the expiration of the tenure of immediate past Executive of the union led Stanley Job Stanley, the national President of NUJ Chris Isiguzo today sent a delegation to Inaugurate a Caretaker Committee made up of eight Chapels that are on clear financial standing.

On arrival at the state Secretariat, the outgone Chairman Stanley Job Stanley and Secretary, Ike Wigodo in connivance with some hired tugs resisted the national officers from carrying out the directive of the national President.

Determined not to fail in the duty assigned to them, the national officers led by the National Trustee zone F, Angese John Inaugurated Chairmen and Secretaries of eight chapels on clear financial standing as caretaker commitee.

The Caretaker Committee members include:

1 Federal Ministry of Information Chapel a) Chairman, Gabriel Obokwub) Secretary, Helen Nsirim

2. State Ministry of Information Chapel a) Chairman – Owupele Benibo

3. The Tide Chapel a) Chairman – Amadi Akujobib) Secretary – Kevin Nengia

4. Radio Rivers Chapel a) Chairman – Lekia Godspower Anyab) Secretary – Asitonka Fubara-Tams

5. RSTV Chapel a) Chairman – Nnamdi Oliminib) Secretary – Justice Ihunwo

6. Correspondents Chapel a) Chairman – Amaechi Okonkwo b) Secretary – Chidi Ohalete

7. NTA Chapel a) Chairman – Kingsley Amajiri b) Secretary- Robinson Derateide

8. Treasure FM (FRCN) Chapel.a) Chairman – Gabriel Okechukwu.

At the end of the Inauguration, Amaechi Okonkwo of the Correspondents’ Chapel was elected by the Caretaker Committee as Chairman while Justice Ihunwo of Rivers State Television was elected Secretary.

The national Trustee enjoined the Committee to ensure successful completion of the State council election and return the council to the part of peace.

The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has resolved the seeming crisis that rocked the Rivers State Council of NUJ after their election was stalemated. Today, Thursday 9th September, 2021, a Caretaker Committee of the Council was inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the Council pending when it would be able to bring all parties together for a proper election to usher in a substantive State Working Committee for the Council.

Carrying out the function of the inauguration, a 3- Man Committee made up of the National Trustee of Zone F, Comrade John Angese, Edo Council Chairman, Comrade Roland Osakue and Delta Council Secretary, Comrade Patrick Ochei effected the orders of the National Secretariat by duly constituting the Caretaker Committee with Comrade Amaechi Okonkwo of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel as Chairman and Comrade Justice Ihunwo of the Rivers State Television Chapel as the Secretary respectively.

It was a tug of war as the outgone Chairman and Secretary, Stanley Job and Ike Wigodo unleashed thugs from their camp on the delegated officers, whereby Edo Council Chairman was punched severally in an attempt to screen the SEC members who had filed out for inauguration.

However, with the assistance of the Police and DSS officers mobilized to provide security based on the urging of Radio Rivers Chapel Chairman (the Chapel of Comrade Stanley Job), we were able to leave the NUJ Press Centre to Radio Rivers where the inauguration took place.

Briefing newsmen after the inauguration, the leader of the three man delegation, John Angese said there can never be a vacuum in any leadership position of NUJ, adding that the tenure of Stanley Job’s Exco had expired since June and he should constitutionally vacate office rather than putting up a show to remain in office. He asked the newly constituted Caretaker Committee members to urgently restore peace to the Council and put machinery in place to conduct the Council election soonest.

He frowned at the behaviours and actions of certain members and leaders of Rivers Council who tried vehemently to resist the delegated officers from carrying out the assignment for which they were sent to Rivers State.

His words, “I cannot believe that some persons could be so bold to disrespect the authority of the union by obstructing delegates of National Secretariat from accessing the Union’s facility. This attitude is very unpleasant in the sense that all properties of the union belong to the National Secretariat.

“We have played our part, and we thank God for our safety and the success of today’s inauguration, not withstanding the opposition.

“All I want to advise the new leadership is to ensure that you carry every stakeholder and member along in your decisions. Show good leadership example; distinguish yourself from the tout-like behaviour we have seen displayed here today”, Angese advised.

Responding to questions from newsmen, the new Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Amaechi Okonkwo promised to ensure a peaceful election of the Council in no time.

He assured to carry every stakeholder along, insisting that no member would be denied his or her quality contributions in the Committee’s quest to institute a united and peaceful Council.