The much-anticipated election of a new executive for the Rivers State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) concluded in a dramatic stalemate, leading to the appointment of a three-member Caretaker Committee to oversee the union’s affairs temporarily. Held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the election, which initially promised to usher in fresh leadership, turned chaotic due to intense disputes over alleged government interference and resistance to a proposed consensus arrangement.
The triennial delegate congress, titled “Journalism: Maintaining Professionalism in a Politically Charged Environment,” brought together journalists from various chapels across Rivers State at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Port Harcourt. The outgoing leadership, led by Chairman Stanley Job and Secretary Ike Wigodo, presented their reports for the past three years, highlighting the achievements and challenges of their administration. However, the highlight of the event—the election of new executives—was overshadowed by heated disagreements and allegations of external manipulation.
Tensions reached a breaking point as two factions vied for the coveted chairmanship position. The Mandate Team, led by Comrade Ogboka Umeda of the Rivers State Television (RSTV) Chapel, faced off against the Transformation Team, headed by Comrade Paul Bazia of the Information Chapel. The election process was abruptly derailed when reports emerged that Bazia had been summoned to a meeting at the office of the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson. Allegations surfaced that Bazia was pressured to step down for Umeda as part of a consensus arrangement reportedly orchestrated by the state government.
According to sources present at the meeting, Bazia initially agreed to withdraw his candidacy. However, upon returning to the NUJ Secretariat, he publicly refuted the claims, addressing his supporters and affirming his decision to proceed with the election. His declaration sparked a wave of unrest, as members of his faction vehemently opposed any consensus deal, insisting that a free and fair election must be conducted. This resistance plunged the congress into disarray, creating an impasse that the credential committee and representatives from the NUJ National Secretariat struggled to resolve.
The stalemate prompted interventions from prominent figures within the NUJ, including Vice President Opaka Dokubo and Zone F Secretary John Angese, who appealed for calm and unity among the delegates. Despite their efforts, the congress descended into chaos, with heated arguments and disruptions preventing any meaningful progress. By evening, Dokubo announced the suspension of the election, citing concerns for safety and security as the primary reasons for halting the process.
In his address to the agitated congress, Dokubo expressed disappointment over the inability to conduct the election, emphasizing that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for the union. He stated, “It is obvious we are at a stalemate, and it is not in our best interest to throw everything away. For safety and security reasons, we cannot continue with the process of this election.”
To prevent a leadership vacuum, the NUJ National Secretariat convened a closed-door meeting with Chapel Chairmen and Secretaries. Following extensive deliberations, a three-member Caretaker Committee was appointed to manage the affairs of the Rivers NUJ. The committee comprises Comrade Lekia Anya of the Radio Rivers Chapel as Chairman, Boma Waribo of Christiana Reports Chapel as Secretary, and Osinachi Samuel of NTA as a member. The newly constituted leadership has been tasked with maintaining order within the union and preparing for a rescheduled election.
The fallout from the election stalemate has elicited strong reactions from stakeholders within the journalism community in Rivers State. A prominent member of the union criticized the alleged interference by the state government, calling for transparency and fairness in the electoral process. “All we want is a transparent process where no one is imposed on us. Government interference in the election is unacceptable, and everyone should be allowed to test their popularity at the polls,” the stakeholder stated.
Others have called for unity among journalists, urging them to focus on professionalism and ethical conduct. A stakeholder noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is prepared to collaborate with any democratically elected leadership, dismissing claims that the state government seeks to impose candidates on the union. Meanwhile, allies of Commissioner Joseph Johnson have denied allegations of interference, describing them as baseless and unfounded.
As the Rivers NUJ prepares for a fresh electoral process, the stalemate underscores the challenges of maintaining professionalism in a politically charged environment. The outcome of this impasse will likely shape the future of the union and its ability to navigate the delicate balance between journalism and political influence. Journalists and stakeholders across Nigeria will be watching closely to see how the Rivers NUJ resolves this contentious issue and whether it can uphold the integrity of its electoral process.
For now, the focus shifts to the Caretaker Committee, whose mandate includes restoring order within the union and ensuring a transparent, credible election that reflects the will of its members. The broader journalism community in Nigeria hopes that the lessons from this episode will reinforce the importance of independence, fairness, and professionalism in union activities.
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