KWARA NUJ CONGRESS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH ENDS IN CHAOS, AS ISSUES OF ONLINE CHAPEL POLARISED THE ENTIRE STATE COUNCIL.
All is not well with the Kwara State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as Congress held on March 26, 2024, abruptly ended in chao as result of issues online Chapel that has now put the Council into serious dielema.
The Congress which started in a peaceful atmosphere suddenly turned into tension soaked environment as soon as issue online Chapel was mentioned as to what was delaying the inauguration. While accusations flew by members to suggest that the whole issue of online Chapel had now been politicised and polarised by the chairman of the council, Abdullateef Lanre Ahmed.
Although, the council chairman ,Mr Ahmed in his own response said nobody has politicised the issues of online Chapel but noted that due process must be followed as the council would screen each applicant to authenticate their credentials before approval for the inauguration .
However, the discord reached a boiling point when Akeem Olatidoye of the Herald Chapel accused council secretary, Comrade Omotayo Ayanda, of violating the union’s constitution by seeking approval for the proposed online Chapel without proper procedure. Olatidoye insisted that the matter be referred to the ethics and disciplinary Committee for resolution.
In his response, Ayanda defended the actions, asserting that all protocols had been followed meticulously. He highlighted that the decision to establish the Kwara NUJ Online Chapel had been unanimously agreed upon during a previous congress, with requisite documentation promptly submitted to the council.
Ayanda further revealed that despite repeated requests, Council Chairman Ahmed had withheld the documents for over two weeks. Only on the eve of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja did Ahmed relinquish the documents, prompting speculation about his motivations and control over the council.
However ,escalating tensions within the Kwara NUJ Council suggests deeper divisions and power struggles plaguing the journalistic community. Members expressed apprehension about the implications of internal strife on the union’s credibility and effectiveness in advocating for journalists’ rights and welfare.
The eruption of violence at the congress serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing journalism in Kwara State and the imperative for unity and collaboration among members. The incident highlights the need for transparent and accountable leadership to navigate complex issues and preserve the integrity of the union.
Members called for dialogue and reconciliation among NUJ members, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement and compromise in resolving disputes.
Efforts to bridge ideological differences and foster a sense of solidarity are deemed essential in safeguarding the collective interests of journalists in the state.
Amidst the turmoil, concerns mount over the potential ramifications of the discord on the profession’s integrity and public perception. The credibility of journalists hinges on their ability to uphold ethical standards and maintain unity in the face of internal challenges.
As the dust settles on the congress debacle, the fate of the NUJ online Chapel Kwara State Council hangs in the balance as events serve as a sobering reminder of the imperative for unity, transparency and principled leadership in advancing the interests of journalists in the state.
