NUJ 2024 Triennial Credentials Committee In Crisis As Member Resigns in Protest Over Alleged Manipulation

ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Credentials Committee for the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference has been thrown into disarray following the resignation of one of its members on Friday, October 18, 2024.

The member reportedly stepped down in protest over what he perceived as excessive interference and manipulation by the outgoing president, Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo.

According to sources, the resigning member was dissatisfied with the way Isiguzo was allegedly dictating and controlling the Committee’s decisions, a situation described as unprecedented in the union’s history.

Isiguzo is said to have openly declared that all decisions ultimately rest with him, despite the NUJ Constitution’s provision that the Credentials Committee should operate independently.

Article 5 (9C) of the NUJ Constitution explicitly states that the national Credentials Committee shall act independently of the president and other national officers.

However, the protesting member felt that this provision was being ignored, and the Committee’s actions were being influenced to target specific candidates perceived as opposing the outgoing president’s interests.

Isiguzo reportedly insisted on including certain individuals, such as Leke Adegbite from the Southwest, in the Committee, despite objections from regional leaders.

The resigning member, after submitting his resignation, faced pressure from Isiguzo and others, who tried to persuade him to stay, fearing his departure would expose the manipulation and undermine the entire process.

Further complaints involved the selective handling of petitions against aspirants, with certain candidates allegedly shielded from scrutiny while others were disqualified based on similar issues.

One such case involved a petition against Abimbola Oyetunde, an aspirant for Deputy President, which was not properly addressed by the Committee, raising concerns of double standards.

Tensions are rising within the Committee, as some members have expressed frustration over the lack of independence.

A member, speaking anonymously, confirmed that meetings often did not begin until Isiguzo was present, and decisions made by the Committee were sometimes overturned after consultation with him.

Despite these challenges, the final list of cleared candidates, originally due on October 16, 2024, remains delayed due to internal disagreements and accusations of manipulation.

The situation has cast a shadow over the integrity of the upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference, with many calling for transparency and adherence to the Union’s Constitution