…as Ekiti Govt promises collaboration with incoming Union Leaders
By Udesinanna Stephen Akubulu Ngozi
Ahead of the Thursday’s election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Ekiti State Chapter, the aspirants have unveiled their manifestos for the next 3 years.
Speaking during the event held at the Union’s Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the Honorable Commissioner for information to the Ekiti State Government promised to collaborate with the incoming administration, “We need so much from Journalists to sustain the society. What we want is a united body of Union; we will continue to give supports from the government, let us have a moderate function for a seamless relationship, and let us continue to work together. Ekiti is our project. We are open to criticisms but it must be constructive.”
Also, the Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode commended the existing cooperation between the State Union and the Government, noting that it has been a cordial relationship and that the incoming leadership should sustain it.
Earlier, the outgoing Chairman of NUJ Ekiti noted that, it is the first time the Union is having a none contentious election, “If you are following trends, you will see we have been having serious contentious, we ensure that me and my team subsequent election will not be like that.”
“When I was about to contest for my second tenure, it was a single line no contentious. I think politicians should come and learn from us in true democracy. Although it is a single line, it does not mean we are having mediocre; we are having reputable men.” He said.
The outgoing Chairman also appreciated the past and present government of the state saying, “I will like to appreciate the former Governor Kayode Fayemi and the present Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The Akogu (former NUJ Chairman) tenure secured this place, and in my tenure, I ensure the payment of the C of O (Certificate of Ownership), worth 2.5 million naira.”
Also speaking is the Former Chairman of the Union, Akogun Tai Oguntayo, who urged the Union members to be serious and proactive not only on election period but a time. At the same time, he called on the incoming State’s Union administration to follow the constitution.
The Chairman of the Union Electoral Committee (NUJECO), Yaquob Popoola, unveiling the authenticity of the December 20 election, said, “We wrote to the National in respect to the election, all aspirants have been cleared by the Union’s national level. Let me thank the outgoing excos and past leaders, who have established the success witnessed in the Union.”
The aspiring Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi, speaking on his intentions, said, “I have been schooled by the outgoing Chairman. I want to state, I am good, I am ready, and I know that there is task ahead, but we can achieve it. I am the outgoing Secretary of the previous regime; we have records, and I promise a better relationship with the government and corporate bodies.
“I am going to sustain the unity of the Union as established by the past regime and respect for the past Leaders. I will ensure we have a befitting press centre; we are going to build up the centre, especially the canteen will be expanded.” He added.
Other majorly unopposed aspirants promised to build on the foundation of the past regime.
