The Enugu State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has ushered in a new leadership following the successful conclusion of its long-awaited election over the weekend.
The election, initially postponed three months ago, formally ended the tenure of the caretaker committee that had been overseeing the council’s affairs.
Comrade Obinna Ogbuka of the Radio Nigeria Chapel emerged as the newly elected chairman.
He takes over from Comrade Sam Udekwe of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS), who withdrew from the race prior to the rescheduled vote.
Also elected was Comrade Chinedu Adonu of Vanguard Newspaper, who defeated Regis Anukwuoji of Business Day to become the council’s Vice Chairman.
Other members of the new executive include Suleiman Onyeama of the State Ministry of Information, elected Secretary after defeating the outgoing Secretary, Ifeoma Amuta.
Fred Nnaji of ESBS was returned unopposed as Assistant Secretary.
Stephanie Ude from the Federal Ministry of Information emerged as Treasurer, defeating Chinyere Agbo of the State Information Chapel.
The position of Financial Secretary went to Sandra Ukeje of Solid FM, who beat Adaku Agbara of Radio Nigeria.
Florence Ani triumphed over Uchenna Nnamene of the NTA Chapel to become the new Auditor.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, who previously served as Chairman of the Radio Nigeria Chapel, expressed his gratitude and outlined his administration’s focus.
“With my emergence as Chairman of NUJ Enugu Council, a new administration has begun. We are here to serve the interests of all members and take NUJ to greater heights. I seek the cooperation and support of all to enable us to succeed,” he said.
He also commended the electoral committee for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible election.
The process was supervised by Ezenwafor Adiukwu, the Zonal Secretary of NUJ Zone C, who represented the National Secretariat.
Adiukwu lauded the members for the maturity and decorum exhibited throughout the election, urging collective support for the new executives moving forward.
