Bayelsa FCC Resolves To Participate In NUJ Election, Amidst Crisis

By Eunice Ñnachi in Yenagoa*

The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa State convened an Emergency Congress on November 6, 2024, to address pressing issues regarding the upcoming Bayelsa Triennial Delegates Conference.

In a significant resolution, members agreed to participate in the NUJ Bayelsa State Council election set for November 16, following the intervention of the National Leadership of the Union. This intervention led to the withdrawal of a court case and cleared Mr. Ebiowei Lawal to contest for the Vice Chairmanship position.

The FCC emphasized the need for neutrality from the Credentials Screening Committee to ensure a fair election process. Additionally, Mr. Bassey Willie, previously withdrawn from his role on the committee, has been reinstated to his duties.

The Federated Correspondents’s Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State, has resolved to participate in the fourth Nigeria of Union of Journalists coming on November 6, 2024.

In a Communique signed by TIFE OWOLABI, Chairman of the Congress and Pauline Onyibe, Secretary, it reads that: “That, after exhaustive deliberation, members have resolved to participate in the forthcoming NUJ Bayelsa State Council election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.”

“That, the decision to partake in the election was taken as a result of the intervention of the National Leadership of the Union in which all grey issues were amicably resolved, consequent upon the withdrawal of the court case and clearance of a member of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Ebiowei Lawal, to contest the Vice Chairmanship position in the election.”

“The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel has asked the Credentials Screening Committee to be neutral and provide a fair, level playing field for all candidates during the election.”

“That, a member of the FCC chapel, Mr. Bassey Willie, who was withdrawn from the Credentials Screening Committee, is hereby asked to return to his duties.”

“That, the FCC calls on all the candidates to go about the electioneering process in a peaceful manner devoid of mudslinging and animosity.” The Communique reads.