– The Delta state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected a new executive that will run the state NUJ for the next three years
– The election was conducted after series of battles and allegations against some of the aspirants
– It was also conducted after several postponements following poor preparation from outgoing executive and funding
After series of battles among members of the Delta state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), members have finally elected a new executive to pilot the affairs of the NUJ for the next three years.
The election, which preceded what could be described as a titanic warfare among aspirants and their various supporters across the state, held at the Labour House in Asaba, the Delta state capital.
Campaigns prior to the election were that of mudslinging and name calling among aspirants culminating in postponement of the election which was earlier fixed for Thursday, April 20 but for observed irregularities in the voters register and the poor preparation of the outgone executives, the election was put on hold for further notice.
After series of titanic battle among journalists, see new developments in Delta NUJ (Photos)
The outgone executive led by Nobert Chiazor of Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri, was accused of various irregularities and alleged financial misappropriation which pinched members against the outgone executive.
As the various campaign trains moved from one chapel to the other across the state, there were allegations of government officials sponsoring some while others were described as independent candidates who must battle through to clinch votes from fellow journalists in the state.
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Although the postponed election from April 20 which was later fixed by the caretaker committee for May 25, having dissolved the Chiazor led executive, was again postponed for lack of logistics according to the caretaker committee.
But finally, all the hurdles were removed and the election finally held today..
ZENITHBLOG.com reports that in the keenly contested election, there were four aspirants to the position of the state chairman; Fidelix Egugbo, Delta government house correspondent for THE POINTER Newspapers; Mike Ikeogwu, THE POINTER correspondent in Warri; Victor Sorokwu, Daily Trust correspondent in Asaba and Felix Igbekoyi, Daily Independent correspondent in Asaba.
At the announcement of the election results where not less than 350 journalists voted, the results baffled some people. Mike Ikeogwu was declared winner beating his three rivals with 156 votes; Fidelix Egugbo polled 120 votes; Victor Sorokwu polled 19 votes while Felix Igbekoyi came last with 11 votes.
Swearing in of new members of the Delta state executive council after the election
As if Ikeogwu’s team was monitoring the counting of the votes by the election officials prior to declaration of results, he was suddenly lifted from the ground and carried into the high heavens, a development which made the delegates to know that he had won the election.
As soon as the results were announced by the election committee with the immediate swearing of Ikeogwu and his team, the environment become electrified with singing and dances from the camp of Ikeogwu and winners of other positions.
However, with the spirit of sportsmanship and acceptance of defeat, Victor Sorokwu and Fidelis Egugbo congratulated Ikeogwu for emerging victorious among the four chairmanship contestants.
Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Mike Ikeogwu on his election as chairman of the state council of NUJ.
Governor Okowa in a statement on Thursday by his chief press secretary, Charles Aniagwu, said Ikeogwu no doubt enjoys the confidence of his colleagues to have overwhelmingly elected him to lead the union despite several postponements of the election.
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The governor noted that the election was keenly contested as all contestants campaigned vigorously to earn the trust and support of their colleagues.
After series of titanic battle among journalists, see new developments in Delta NUJ
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, I congratulate Comrade Micheal Ikeogwu and his executive members on their election into the state executive committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta state council.
“I also congratulate Comrade Fidelis Egugbo and all others who fought gallantly for various positions. You may have lost today, but be rest assured that you have enriched the democratic process of the NUJ.”
While thanking the credentials and the caretaker committees for successfully organising a peaceful, fair and credible election, Governor Okowa assured the new executive of the continued support and partnership of the state government with the NUJ.
The governor further urged the new executive to work harmoniously with all stakeholders in the union in order to position the union adequately for her role as the watch dog of the society.
Meanwhile, in this ZENITHBLOG.com video, Acting President Yemi Osibanjo talks on the importance of unity as a nation
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