Bayelsa NUJ Election in Crisis: FCC Boycotts Election, Accuses CSC Of Bias

From Mgbo Nnachi in Yenagoa*

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa State has thrown the upcoming Triennial Delegate Conference into disarray by passing a Vote of No Confidence on the Credentials and Screening Committee (CSC) and vowing to boycott the election entirely.

The decision, announced in a communique following an emergency congress on Tuesday, October 29th, stems from deep dissatisfaction with the CSC’s handling of the election process.

FCC members allege that the committee unfairly disqualified legitimate candidates while clearing others who did not meet the required qualifications.

“We are deeply concerned about the integrity of the entire election process,” stated Mr. Tife Owolabi, Chairman of the FCC, in the communique.

“The actions of the CSC undermine the very foundation of fair and credible elections, and we cannot stand by and condone such blatant disregard for democratic principles.”

The FCC’s decision to withdraw its representative, Mr. Bassey Willie, from the CSC and boycott the election entirely is a significant escalation of the conflict.

It raises serious questions about the future of the NUJ in Bayelsa State and highlights the growing tension surrounding the election process.

This dramatic turn of events comes just two days before the scheduled election, creating uncertainty and potential disruption for the NUJ in the state.

The FCC’s communique warns of potential further actions if the concerns regarding the election process are not addressed.

Observers are now looking to the NUJ’s national leadership to intervene and address the concerns raised by the FCC.

Failure to do so could lead to a protracted crisis within the Bayelsa State Council of the NUJ, potentially jeopardizing its credibility and effectiveness.