When the pen elects
“Comrade Garba Mohammed, scored a total vote of 39, Comrad3 DELE Atumbi, scored a total a total vote of 97, while Comrade Hassan Yahya scored a total vote of…” and the hall erupted. It was celebration, cheers, shouting, showing acceptance, indicating that the popular candidate had won. I tried taking snap shots of the winner, but he was lost in the crowd. Delegates overwhelmed him. The voice of the National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who was represented by the Chairman, NLC Imo State, Comrade Uche Nwigwe, got lost in the crowd. Despite the microphone that was aided with over eight speakers, one could barely hear the votes garnered by Comrade Yahya.
Comrade Hassan Yahya had just won the election as the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with 436 votes.
The ancient city of Owerri, the Imo State capital, played host to Journalists from the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT, where over one thousand Journalists out of which 573 were delegates, converged to elect a new leadership saddled with the responsibility of the Union for the next three years. The two-day conference saw Comrade Alhasasan Yahaya of the Gombe Media Cooperation (GMC), elected as its new President.
The delegates conference was a reunion. It was an opportunity for Journalists to, “hang out”, meet and greet again after three years or more. Journalists were hugging, complementing and greeting each other from different states. It was also an opportunity to make new friends and share ideas. But the height of it all, was discussions on the election. Representatives from states campaigned for their candidates. Candidates moved around state councils seeking for their support and votes. Campaigns were issue based, with programs aimed at promoting the affairs of Journalists and the Union in Nigeria.
All other offices but for the office of the president were unopposed. This did not stop candidate like Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, from Kogi State, who was contesting for the office of the Zonal Vice President from moving round the States in Zone D. appreciating them for the trust they had in him.
Three people contested for the number one office- Alhassan Yahya, Dele Atunbi and Garba Mohammed, with their faces adorning the building of the NUJ Oweri council and Rockview hotel, venue of the conference. Their posters were all over the place.
The conference opening ceremony, had in attendance, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodima, and his retinue of political appointees, the immediate past NUJ President and his executives, who and who in Owerri and was chaired by Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions and Dr Ike Neliaku, President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), who did justice to his lecture on the theme of the conference “Media and Democracy.”
Declarating the conference open, the Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the theme which is apt, talked about the role Journalists play in holding leaders accountable. Citing UNESCO, that pointed out that “journalism is the bedrock of democratic governance,” he said, a free and independent press is necessary for a healthy democracy, provides space for open debate and a reliable source of information and holding those in power accountable.
The media, he says, plays a multifaceted role in checking public opinion, encouraging civic engagement and promoting transparency in governance. He identified four functions of the media in the society to be; providing reliable information, acting as a watch-dog, facilitating democratic discourse and reflecting society’s diversity. He, however, noted that journalism today, faces some serious challenges, particularly with the rise of societal media and the spread of misinformation. “Why societal media has empowered citizens in unprecedented ways, it has also become a breeding ground for misinformation and fake news, with devastating consequences.”
He stated the need for Melissa literacy, fact-checking initiatives and responsible use of social media platforms. Governor Uzodinma, also noted the rise of citizen journalism, which he said, though enrich perspective, raises concerns about professional standards. “We need to ensure that everyone engaged in journalistic activities at whatever level, adhere to the highest standard of accuracy, fairness and accountability. We must forget that what identifies a journalists, is the ability to check-fscts. The NUJ has an important role to play in dealing with these challenges to hold the integrity of the journalism profession.”
He urged the NUJ to take pro-active steps to promote ethical reporting, combat the spread of misinformation and ensure that all Journalists are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive on the digital age, strengthening the Nigerian Press Council, investing in training and development programs for Journalists and working closely with social media platforms to address the challenges of digital terrain.
He concluded by also calling on the NUJ to think beyond just financial accountability and consider broader responsibility of leadership which includes fulfilling campaign promises, upholding human rights and the rule of law and addressing pressing social issues such as poverty, health care, education and integrity.
Earlier in his valedictory speech, the former National President of the NUJ, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, called on members not to abandon the NUJ. “Our Union is only as strong as its members. Close ranks, bridge divides, and unite in the interest of our shared goals. We cannot afford to let personal interests or differences weaken the bond that holds us together. Journalists are key stakeholders in any democracy. We cannot demand accountability from others if we fail to hold ourselves accountable to our union and to each other. Let us work together to build a union that is not just strong but also inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking.” He promised his unwavering support and best wishes to the incoming President.
No victor, no vanquished was part of the newly elected President’s acceptance speech. Comrade Alhassan Yahya who was immediately inaugurated along other members of his executive, thanked delegates for finding him worthy to lead the Union while pledging to implement his campaign manifesto.
