FCT NUJ Re-elects Ogbeche As Chairman

• Promises a better second term

BY EDMOND ODOK – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche of The Abuja Inquirer as its chairman for another three years.

In a clearly one-sided contest held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the NUJ Secretariat in Ekukinam Street, Utako, Abuja, Ogbeche swept past his only opponent, Mr Donald Ugwu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a landslide victory.

Of the 520 accredited voters, 518 votes were cast on the day with Comrade Ogbeche amassing 450 votes to Ugwu’s paltry 59 votes while nine votes were voided.

Among other winners returned unopposed on the day include Patrick Osadebamwen of The Tribune Newspaper – Vice Chairman; Ochiaka Ugwu of People’s Daily – Secretary; and Aisha Kadala of Aso Radio and Television – Treasurer.

Also elected unopposed are Gloria Essien of Voice of Nigeria – Financial Secretary; and Dorcas Jonah of NAN – Assistant Secretary.

In all, journalists from 28 chapels that make up the FCT Council of NUJ participated and voted at the election.

With the victory, Ogbeche, a former two time Secretary of Council, now has another three years to administer the Council’s affairs as guaranteed by the NUJ Constitution.

He has also broken the jinx of one term Chairmanship in the Council that has persisted since the second term leadership of Late Ndamadu Sule of NTA, the Baradin Giwa

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Ogbeche promised to consolidate as well as improve on the administration’s achievements in the last three years.

Also extending a hand of friendship to the fellow contestant Mr Ugwu and his supporters, saying; “For those who ran against us, without you this contest would have no meaning.”

According to Ogbeche; “We offer you a hand of friendship, we invite you to join us to take FCT NUJ to the next level.

“The ideas you have, please let it bear, we are willing to work with you. We want to assure our partners and stakeholders that we are going to work closely with you to achieve media independence, advocacy and rights of journalist in the FCT and by extension, Nigeria.”