By our correspondent
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, has warned Agents of the State Government to stay away from the forthcoming state council election scheduled for Friday March 7, 2025, as it is strictly an NUJ affair.
This was contained in a Press Statement by Elders and Stakeholders of the council, signed by Mr Osy Ogboso and Nine others issued in Enugu on Monday March 3.
The stakeholders expressed their concerns about some ugly intrigues and campaign of calumny by some Aspirants to the election using external influence.
The statement reads in part: “We are disturbed that an election that should be contested among brothers, friends, and professional colleagues is turning into a mini-war, with some aspirants resorting to dirty politics instead of focusing on issues affecting union members.
“We are deeply concerned that this action may be part of a larger effort by external forces, using government apparatus, to intimidate and coerce journalists in the state.
“This is unacceptable to the stakeholders and elders in Enugu State NUJ, as it threatens the very foundation of our union and profession.”
The stakeholders cited a recent deployment of the state Chairman, Mr. Sam Udekwe, who is contesting for a second tenure to a non-existent office in Abuja by the Managing Director of ESBS, Enugu, Mr Ladi Akeredolu-Ale.
The statement said the deployment was akin to the proverbial “hand of Esau and voice of Jacob.”
It said that, ESBS has never had an office in Abuja, nor has it had a Bureau Chief, a term which does not apply to broadcast stations anywhere in the world.
“We view the deployment as punitive, malicious and in bad faith, orchestrated by some individuals in the corridors of power to cause confusion and achieve their obnoxious intentions.
“We have reason to believe that some individuals claiming to act on behalf of the state government are interfering in the NUJ election to truncate our democratic process.
“However, this will not happen, as every effort is being made to ensure a smooth election on Friday, March 7, 2025, ” the stakeholders said.
According to the statement, the elders and stakeholders of the union in the state maintained that there was neither division nor factions in Enugu State NUJ.
“We, therefore, crave the indulgence of meddlesome interlopers to stay clear of the NUJ Enugu State Council election as any attempt to hijack the process will be strongly resisted.
“We urge all bonafide journalists in the state to be ready for a smooth, rancor-free election, ” the statement concluded.
