Bayelsa NUJ Elects New Leadership After Period Of Tension

From Rhoda Godwin in  Yenagoa

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bayelsa State Council yesterday elected new executive officers during its Triennial Delegates Conference held in Yenagoa.

Tonye Yemoleigha was elected Chairman, receiving 213 votes against Ogio Ipigansi’s 206. Inebaraton Preye secured the Vice Chairman position with 238 votes.

Other elected officials include Stanley Imgbi (Secretary), Aqua Akpuruku (Assistant Secretary), Tekiyon Theophilus (Treasurer), Theophilus Agidee (Financial Secretary), and Grace Iwolo (Auditor).

The election was overseen by a five-member Electoral Committee led by Mpaka Dokubo, the Zone F Vice President. Other elected officials include Stanley Imgbi (Secretary), Aqua Akpuruku (Assistant Secretary), Tekiyon Theophilus (Treasurer), Theophilus Agidee (Financial Secretary), and Grace Iwolo (Auditor).

In his acceptance speech, Yemoleigha expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasized their commitment to serving the council over the next three years.

He acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured members of their dedication to fulfilling their promises. “We need your cooperation and steadfast support,” he stated, highlighting the importance of unity within the council.

He said, “On behalf of the members who have just been elected as executive members of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council, I want expressed our profound gratitude to everyone on this day; the comportment, the orderliness despite the lapses that have brought us to this moment.

“In the course of our campaigns, we told you want we intend to do and we will not fail in doing that but before we get there, let me express my gratitude to Almighty God. This responsibility we have accepted and we are not going to fail you. The road will be turbulent, the road will be tough, but we assure you we are going to serve you. We need your cooperation, we need your steadfast support.”

Recall that, the conference marked a significant moment for Bayelsa’s journalists, as it followed a period of tension within the union, including a recent vote of no confidence against the Credentials Screening Committee by some members. .