The National Leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has intervened in the dispute in the Bayelsa council over the conduct of the October 31 state triennial Congress.
The Bayelsa NUJ led by Comrade Samuel Numonengi, had in the last few weeks been gripped by power struggle among various interests interested in enthroning their candidates to succeed the present leadership.
While some group backed the incumbent Secretary, Comrade Ogio Clement, to succeed the outgoing Council Chairman, Samuel Numonengi, due to maturity and non-combatant disposition to issues, others believed that the Former Chairman of the Radio Bayelsa chapel, Tonye Yemoleigha will provide breath of fresh air in leadership.
However, the Five-members committee of the 2024 Credentials committee led by the Chairman, Yola Amieyefa, threw the two group off balance with the disqualification of most of the candidates based on meeting attendance, professional practice qualification and payment of check-off dues.
Only the Incumbent Secretary, Comrade Ogio Clement was cleared for meeting all requirements. But the rival group kicked and insisted that every candidate be cleared and the election be made a family affair.
Sources hinted that immediately the credentials committee published it’s report, the national Secretariat of the NUJ was bombarded with petitions and protest from within and outside the NUJ fold.
A meeting convened by the State Commissioner of Information, Strategy and Orientation, Hon. Koku Obiyai, was however ineffective as it was purportedly considered “not in line with NUJ spirit.”
The incumbent state Chairman, Comrade Samuel Numonengi, was however invited to brief the National Secretariat on the development.
The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, after series of consultation meeting with the factions involved in the power struggle over the conduct of the election, concluded that few others person are cleared and allowed to contest the election in line with the constitution.
The National NUJ, In the letter dated 25th of October, 2024 and with reference number, NUJ/NS/SC/Vol.1 signed by the National Assistant Secretary, Akoride Opeyemi, and copied to the Vice President, Zone D, the Bayelsa NUJ has been cleared to conduct its elections and an additional Six candidates cleared to participate in the election.
Those cleared for the October 31st Bayelsa NUJ election include the Chairmanship candidates of Ogio Clement and Tonye Yemoleigha.
Others include Comrade Preye Inebraton (NDTV), Inaigo Tobin-West (New Waves Newspapers), Zitimiyola Ebinimi (NTA), Abassa Tare Solomon (The Light Chapel) and Amgbare Ekaunkumo of (United Correspondents’ Chapel).
Those not cleared are Ebiowei Lawal (FCC), Stanley Imgbi of the Information Chapel, Tekinyo Theophilus, Information Chapel, Janet Twonmute, NDTV, Aqua Akpuruku, Royal Fm chapel and Iwolo Izuongere, Royal FM chapel.
The Outgoing Chairman, Comrade Samuel Numonengi, while addressing the aspirants and candidates at the NUJ secretariat on Sunday, assured them of his fairness and level playing ground ahead of the election.
Numonengi, popularly referred to as “Oracle” advised journalist to abide by the decision of the NUJ national Secretariat and not listen to those out to destabilise the peace and unity in the NUJ fold, urging them to come out on Thursday October 31, to vote for the Chairman of their choice.
The election is expected to be supervised by the Vice President, Zone D and the Zonal Secretary,Comrade John Anglese.
In his comment on the decision of the National Secretariat of the NUJ, the Chairman of the 2024 Credentials committee led by the Chairman, Yola Amieyefa, expressed optimism on the conduct of the election and lifted the ban on campaigns for the poll.