The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, B Zone which represents all journalists in the Southwestern Zone of the Union rose from its quarterly meeting to chide the position of the National body of the Union to resist a deliberate attempt to decimate Chapels in the South West, with particular reference to Ogun Council.
This is contained in the communique released at the end of the Southwest emergency meeting held at the Press Center in Osogbo, Osun State.
The communique presided over by the Vice President of the Zone reads; “ The zone emphasizes the imperative of strict adherence to the letter and spirit of the NUJ Constitution in the conduct of union affairs, particularly before, during, and after the 2024 Triennial National Delegates Conference.
“While it is on record that the South West which houses Zone B of the Union is the cradle of journalism in Nigeria, the zone strongly condemns the deliberate decimation of Chapels in the South West, with particular reference to Ogun Council, where 8 chapels were listed instead of 15.
In the same vein, the Zone pleaded that lists of chapels submitted by other State Councils in the zone should not further be tampered with, believing that such action undermines the structure and representation of those Councils.”
“The zone maintains its decision to ensure a level playing field for all contestants in the forthcoming 2024 Triennial National Delegate Conference.”
“ Consequently, the zone expresses readiness to collaborate with other spirited zones across the federation to ensure the emergence of independent-minded national leaders with competence and capacity to take the Union forward.”
The Zone also used the medium to address the ongoing Nationwide protest “ the Zone pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to listen to the agitations of Nigerians and ensure that the nation’s refineries are fixed to serve Nigerians and end the harsh economic challenges caused by importation of fuel in the country.”
“ The Union also appealed to Nigerian youths to shun destruction and looting of private and public infrastructure while exercising their right to protest. “
“While commending the Federal Government for approving the dualisation of Ilesha-Akure-Benin highway, the Zone calls for urgent approval of reconstruction of Ibadan-Ilesha-Akure expressway, which is now a death trap.”
The zone also condemned attack on journalists during the nationwide protests, the Zone reiterates the importance of a free press in sustaining democracy and urges all stakeholders to protect and promote press freedom.”
“ The Zone strongly pleaded with the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji to assist the Union at the State in having a Secretariat of its own in so many years.”
“ The Zone commends Osun Council for hosting the Zonal meeting.”
The Chairman communique drafting committee, Chairman of Ogun State Council, Wale Olanrewaju, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin , Secretary, Osun Council, member and Comrade O’Seun Ogunsakin, Secretary, Ekiti Council served as Secretary and the Zonal secretary, AbdulRazaq Alege authenticated the communique
