LETS JOIN HANDS TO MOVE NUJ FORWARD: ISIGUZO CALL ON OPPOSITION. By Yunusa Abugi

LETS JOIN HANDS TO MOVE NUJ FORWARD: ISIGUZO CALL ON OPPOSITION. By Yunusa Abugi.

The 7th Triennial Delegates conference has come and gone, though characterised by skepticism and deterring Court orders, at the end of the day Chris Isiguzo has been overwhelmingly elected for another term of three years.

The state of Abia, Umahia, has also proven to be safe dispelling the widely held perception of insecurity characterised by the activities of the proscribed IPOB.

In a statement by Chris Isiguzo, the elected president, he thanked the Delegates who attended the conference admist fear in large numbers. 

He said "To simply say THANK YOU may not properly capture how I feel about the confidence Nigerian Journalists once more reposed in me by overwhelmingly re-electing me as the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ".

He was however quick to add that "It didn’t come easy anyway but God showed Himself".

"I deliberately delayed this appreciation to ensure that the over 1000 journalists that attended the 7th Triennial Delegates Conference in Umuahia, Abia State arrived home safely".

"Having finally confirmed that our colleagues have all arrived home, I wish to therefore express my profound appreciation to God Almighty for the success of the conference". 

He then pointed out that "Contrary to pre-conference tension clearly orchestrated by naysayers that Abia was not the most ideal state to host the conference in view of the security situation, the state proved its mettle as THE SAFEST STATE in the country at the moment as there was not a single security breach. To God be the Glory".

He stressed that they were grateful to "...God for ensuring the vacation of an ex-parte order from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Ibadan Division which nearly marred the entire exercise".

Chris Isiguzo was full of praise for Journalists from all over Nigeria that converged in Abia for the conference.  "At this point, I want to thank my most cherished colleagues for shrugging off the intents of naysayers to attend the conference in huge numbers. We remain grateful. Be assured that your sacrifices shall not be in vain as we shall ensure that you will not be disappointed".

"To our opponents, I want to appeal to you all that we must sheath our swords in the overall interest of our great Union. I hereby extend my hands of fellowship to you all and plead that we all team up to work for the common good of the Union we love. For me, there is no victor and there’s no vanquished. All of us are winners".

He praised the Abia State Government especially the  Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu for hosting the conference.

 President Isiguzo then thanked the Chairman of the occasion, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, Keynote Speaker, Emma Agu, Eze Ogbonnaya, Past Presidents present, Chief George Izobo, Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha and Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, the National Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman, Local Organising Committee led by Ezeogo Boniface Okoro, Abia Council among others. 

He was full of praises for the Electoral Committee led by Garba Muhammad for conducting the best election ever.

"To our Campaign Council led by our Commander in whom we are very well pleased, Amos Dunia, our Secretary, Bimbo Oyetunde, Adviser, Wilson Bako, Amaka Agbo, Ismaila Favu, Solomon, Godwin, Zonal Coordinators, Adeiza Momoh-Jimoh, Nancy Orshi Nguveren, Adeleye Ajayi, Ademola Babalola, Tony Nwizi, Abbas Ibrahim, NAWOJIANS, we are grateful".

He then on behalf of the newly elected CWC members: Deputy President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, National Treasurer, Dele Atunbi, Financial Secretary, Samuel Dada, Internal Auditor, Ladi Emmanuel, thanked everyone that participated in one way or the other towards the success of the conference.