Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has congratulated the newly elected National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya on his well deserved victory at the just concluded 18th Triennial Congress held in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Yahaya, a former Deputy National President of the Union from Gombe State emerged tops with 436 votes to beat two other rivals – Bamidele Atunbi, former National Treasurer of the Union who scored 97 votes and Garba Mohammed who scored 39 votes.
He replaces Comrade Chris Isiguzo whose tenure has ended.
In congratulating Yahaya, Sen. Uzodimma, host Governor for the 18th Triennial Congress, said it was heart warning hearing that the election was not only peaceful and transparent, but produced a crop of men and women who will provide transformational leadership for the entire journalists in the country.
A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma said his principal advised the new leadership of the NUJ to work in synergy with all members of the Media Sector, and critical stakeholders in and out of government, for the good of the society.
The statement added that the Governor urged the new NUJ leadership to take seriously the remarks he made at the opening ceremony of the Congress, particularly as they concern the ethics of the profession, prevalence of fake news and disinformation, training of members on new skills in the area of digital journalism, among others.
Also, while Governor Uzodimma reminded the new leadership to build on the gains of those who led the body before them, he admonished them to see development journalism as part of the new world order, doing their utmost by way of using their revered profession to uphold the democratic tenets of Nigeria.
He however assured the new NUJ leadership of his readiness to remain unwavering in his support to the Union for the good of the society.
Mike Ikeogwu, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee announced the results of the election at around 1:00 am on Thursday. He said, Yahaya polled a total of 436 votes to defeat his rivals, Bamidele Atunbi, former National Treasurer of the Union who got 97 votes and Garba Mohammed who scored 39 votes.
The election brought together about 600 delegates from the State Councils in the Country.
Elected unopposed, according to Ikeogwu, was the Deputy National President, Abimbola Oyetunde, General Manager Radio Nigeria Bronze FM, Edo State and former BOT of the Union.
Oyetunde remains the first female Deputy National President of NUJ.
Other National Officers of the Union elected unopposed are the National Treasurer, Victor Ndukwe, who was the former Abia State Council Chairman, while Ronke Samo was reelected the Vice President of B-Zone (Southwest).
The election which was conducted under tight security, was presided over by the Representative of the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
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