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Bauchi NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu handing over documents to the Electoral Committee Chairperson, Bulak Afsa, right
By Akanji Alowoludo, Bauchi
Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday inaugurated a 7-man Electoral Committee to organize a free, fair and credible election into the 7 offices of the State Working Committee (SWC).
While inaugurating the Committee at the Conference Hall of the NUJ Press Center, Bauchi, the Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu charged members of the Committee to justify the confidence reposed on them and should not be distracted by any intimidation from any quarters.
He said that, “As you are aware that during the last Congress your names were mentioned, endorsed and approved by the National Secretariat to prepare for the election of new Executives of the state Council. Congress must have seen your commitment, selfless service and experience in you, especially in the activities of the Union. Therefore you must not take the nomination for granted; rather you should justify the confidence reposed
in you.”
The Chairman added that, “I have the believe that members of the Electoral
Committee will write your names in gold by conducting the most peaceful, free and fair NUJ elections in the state.Your Committee is independent of the state Council as you are answerable to the National Secretariat, but where
necessary, you can liase with the State Council to ensure free and fair election.”
Umar Sa’idu stressed that,”| have absolute confidence that you have the capacity to
conduct this assignment.”
He then announced that the Committee has 21 days within which to conduct the election and organise the swearing in of the new Executive members.
In his speech, National Ex-officio of NUJ, Abubakar Waziri said that,”This is a significant moment for our Union, as it marks the beginning of a process that will ultimately lead to the election of new leaders who will steer the union towards grea ter heights.”
He also said that, “I want to begin by thanking the outgoing leadership for their service to the NUJ. Their dedication and commitment have been invaluable in shaping the union and making it the formidable force that it is today. I also want to congratulate the newly appointed members of the Electoral Committee, who have been tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.”
According to him,”The NUJ is a crucial organization that represents the interests of Journalists across the country. Our Union has been instrumental in advocating for better working conditions, improved remuneration, and greater protection for journalists in the line of duty.”
“As we embark on this electoral process, it is essential that we do not lose sight of the union’s core mandate and objectives,” he stressed.
The National Ex-officio added that, “NUJ has a rich history and a strong tradition of democratic governance. We must ensure that this tradition is upheld through a transparent and inclusive electoral process.”
He therefore urged all members of the union to participate in the elections and exercise their right to vote stressing that, “Your vote is your voice, and it is instrumental in shaping the future of our Union.”
“I have no doubt that the newly appointed Electoral Committee will discharge their duties with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and impartiality. Their task is not an easy one, but I am confident that they have the expertise and experience needed to ensure a successful electoral process,” Abubakar Waziri stressed.
He concluded saying,”I want to reiterate my commitment to the NUJ and our collective vision for a stronger, more vibrant Union. As we begin this electoral process, let us all work together in the spirit of unity, democracy, and transparency. I wish the Electoral Committee all the best in their endeavors, and I look forward to a successful election.”
In her acceptance speech on behalf of other members, Chairperson of the Committee, Bulak Afsa thanked the Council for finding them worthy of selection to perform the onerous task of conducting elections.
Bulak Afsa then assured that the members of the Committee will work assiduously in accordance with the NUJ Constitution and the guidelines for the conduct of the elections.
She however solicited for prayers for the members of the Committee by the Members of the Council saying that the task is an onerous one which demands divine intervention from God.
Members of the Committee are: Bulak Afsa, NTA Chapel Chairperson; Ishola Michael Adeyemi, Correspondents Chapel; Haruna Yusuf, BRC Chapel; Adamu Muhammad Gabi, Globe FM Chapel; Nasiru Bala, Information Chapel; Firdausi Ibrahim Bakondi, Albarka FM Chapel and Aliyu Sambo of BATV Chapel Who is the Secretary.
