Nigeria Union of Journalists on Friday called on the Independent Electoral Commission to
conduct of a credible, free, fair and acceptable 2023 general elections.
A communique issued by the Union at end of it’s two day special delegates conference in Kano further urged Nigerians to take advantage of the process to elect credible leaders that will steer the ship of State in the next four years.
The Communique signed by the National Secretary, Mr. Shu’aibu Usman Leman (Walin Shadalafiya) noted that “The Special Delegates Conference particularly challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to strive to meet the yearnings of Nigerians for a smooth, credible, free and fair elections by living and meeting the expectations of the people thus, urged the electoral umpire to ensure that it fulfills its mandate as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The communique drafted by Dele Atumbi Gbenga Onaiga, Adeiza Momojimoh Umar Saidu, Helen Udofa reads in parts : Delegates from the 37 Councils of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), under the leadership of its President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, converged in Kano from January 24 to 27, 2023 during which they deliberated extensively on key national and professional issues.
The conference which was declared opened by Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had as its theme: “Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Nigerian Journalism”.
The Conference approved and passed amendment to some provisions of its Constitution which now make First Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or its equivalent in Mass Communication and Journalism related courses as the entry qualification for the practice of Journalism in Nigeria and membership of the Union.
The Conference in session streamlined its membership in line with the provisions of the NUJ Constitution. Accordingly, the Conference in session after exhaustive deliberations on membership status, delisted and dissolved the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Local Government Information Chapels across the country and directed State Councils to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the approved amendments to the NUJ Constitution.
It however, approved the membership of journalists working with online media organisations registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and recognised by the National Secretariat of the NUJ.
The Conference advocated the conduct of a credible, free, fair and acceptable 2023 general elections and urged Nigerians to take advantage of the process to elect credible leaders that will steer the ship of State in the next four years.
The Special Delegates Conference particularly challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to strive to meet the yearnings of Nigerians for a smooth, credible, free and fair elections by living and meeting the expectations of the people thus, urged the electoral umpire to ensure that it fulfills its mandate as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The Conference commended the deployment of technology in the electoral process as backed by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, with the aim of enhancing the electoral system and building the confidence of the people in the conduct of elections in the country.
It viewed with concern the overheating of the polity by politicians through all forms of verbal attacks and use of thugs in electioneering. It therefore counseled the political class, particularly the presidential candidates of some of the leading political parties to abide by the rules and do away with thuggery before, during and after the general elections.
The Conference approved the development of a website for the union to adequately capture the bio data of members on regular basis for easy identification of accredited practicing Journalists in Nigeria.
The Union frowned at the anti-union activities of some members of the NUJ particularly in Abia State Council, that are causing disaffection among members of NAWOJ and directed those involved to desist or would be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Union’s Constitution.
The delegates commended the indelible imprints of the Ganduje-led administration in evolving good governance and giving the people of Kano State tangible dividends of democracy.
The conference expressed appreciation to the government and the good people of Kano State for providing the enabling and conducive environment for a successful hosting of the Special Delegates’ Conference.