NUJ Responds to Allegations of ‘Illegal’ Tenure Extension, Clarifies Constitutional Process

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over recent reports accusing its leadership of an “illegal” extension of the Central Working Committee (CWC) tenure by six weeks. The union dismissed the allegations as unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of its internal processes.

Achike Chude, the National Secretary of the NUJ, responded to the claims, stating that the accusations were “ironic and almost laughable,” especially considering the modest six-week extension compared to undemocratic regimes that attempt to hold onto power for years.

Chude further noted that Chris Isiguzo, the NUJ President, who is being accused of attempting to extend his tenure, had actively opposed a proposal to elongate the CWC’s term by a year during the 2023 Constitutional Review Conference in Kano. “The records are there,” Chude said, pointing to Isiguzo’s consistent stance against prolonged tenures.

Addressing the allegations raised by journalist Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, Chude emphasized that free speech, while essential, should not be used to spread misinformation or discredit the union. He criticized Adubi for bypassing internal conflict resolution mechanisms outlined in Article 7, Section 2(vi) of the NUJ Constitution before resorting to legal action. “Mr. Adubi has chosen courtroom theatrics over the proper channels,” Chude remarked.

The NUJ clarified that no legal documents had been officially served regarding the matter and that any claims of court action were speculative at this point. Should the situation escalate, the union assured members that it would address the issue through proper legal channels.

Chude provided context for the six-week extension, explaining that during the NEC meeting on August 9, 2024, it was revealed that over 60 percent of the union’s chapels had not fulfilled their financial obligations, as stipulated in the NUJ Constitution. To avoid disenfranchising a large portion of the union’s members ahead of the Triennial National Delegates’ Conference, two NEC members moved a motion for the extension, which was unanimously adopted by the 76 out of 101 members present.

“The request to extend the CWC’s tenure was a collective decision made in the best interest of the union, not the action of any individual,” Chude explained.

The NUJ also highlighted that the extension followed a well-established precedent, noting that similar tenure extensions of two to three months had been granted in the past without controversy.

Chude dismissed Adubi’s call for the court to dissolve the CWC and hand over leadership to council secretaries and chairmen as “absurd” and “contradictory.” He pointed out that over 90 percent of the individuals Adubi suggested should take over the union were present at the NEC meeting and supported the motions that led to the extension.

“This demand reveals a clear lack of understanding of the democratic processes that govern our union,” Chude said.

The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to its constitution. It urged its members and the public to ignore the baseless allegations as the union works towards conducting the upcoming elections in a transparent and constitutional manner.

“We remain focused on serving our members and upholding the democratic values that are the cornerstone of our union,” Chude concluded.