By Ify Akuba
As Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council prepares ahead for another election, members of the Union have unanimously adopted Comrade Festus Alenkhe’s led Executive to be return unopposed for a second tenure commencing from December.
The members made the resolution during the September edition of the monthly Congress held on Monday afternoon at the Council Secretariat in Benin City.
The motion which was moved by the secretary of Merit Chàpel, Comrade Paul Okojie and seconded by Comrade Akhigbe of the Reliance Chapel received a loud ovation due to the sterling performance of the Executive.
As the Congress proceeded, a three man credentials and election committee was inaugurated to conduct election for the position of the Vice Chairman. The Committee is led by Oliver Ijogbe of the EBS chapel as(Chairman); Gloria Iluobe of bronze FM as (Secretary) and Mike Osarogiagbonof EBS as (Member) . They are to liase with the national secretariat for the conduct of the council election for the position of Vice Chairman.
On the Edo 2024 Gubernatorial Debate Programme to herald the 2024 gubernatorial election in the state, the Council averred that it’s finalizing preparations for it, adding, “this is first-of-its-kind initiative by the NUJ is scheduled to hold on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the Council Secretariat.”
According to the congress statement “the event will feature participation from more than 50 radio and TV stations, providing a platform for gubernatorial candidates to engage with the public.”
On the NUJ National Delegates Conference slated for Owerri in November the Council called on its 15 chapels to fulfill their financial obligations by paying members’ check-off dues, saying “this is essential for meeting the requirements to participate in the conference.”
The Congress endorsed Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde as its candidate for the position of National Deputy President of the NUJ urging all the Council members “to provide legitimate support to ensure her historic emergence as the first female to occupy this prestigious position.”
Talking about the Edo State Gubernatorial polls, the Council “urged all participants in the electioneering process to play by the rules. This call is aimed at fostering a credible and peaceful electoral process in Edo State.”