The much talked about and awaited elections of the Delta state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), which was held Thursday, coasted the immediate past chairman of the Warri correspondent chapel of NUJ, Mr. Michael Ikeogwu to victory.
Ikeogwu defeated Mr. Fidelis Egugbo, former chairman of the Pointer Newspapers chapel of the NUJ, Asaba, Mr. Felix Igbekoyi, immediate past Vice Chairman of the state council of the NUJ, and Mr. Victor Sorokwu, former chairman of the Asaba correspondent chapel of NUJ, with 156 votes to clinched the number one seat of the state NUJ.
The elections which was held at the Labour House, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Asaba, also produced Mr. Patrick Ochei as Vice Chairman, Mr. Churchill Oyowe, Secretary, Mr. Celestine Afokobah, Assistant Secretary and Mr. Ochuko Akuopha, Financial Secretary making up the state executive council of the NUJ that will run the union for the next three years.
Addressing members of NUJ shortly after the oath of office, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr. Ikeogwu commended and thanked Journalists for the maturity displayed before, during and after the election and appealed to his co-contesters who lost out in the elections to close ranks and join hands with his administration to move the union forward, adding that its a case of no victor, no vanquished.
In an interview with Journalists, the newly sworn in Delta state chairman of the NUJ, warned strictly that, hence forth, all form of harassment and illegal detention of Journalists by security agencies across the state should stop as his administration will not tolerate such.
While noting that journalists have always been victims of unlawful incarceration by security agencies while performing their lawful and constitutional duties, Mr. Ikeogwu said the era of where the rule of law and rights of the Journalist must be respected.
“We are in an era where the rule of law and rights of journalists must be respected. I will not tell you our action but all I have to say is that we will no longer tolerate the harassment and detention of journalists under my watch in Delta State. Security agencies, be warned.”
The state chairman of NUJ, however assured Journalists in the state that he will run an independent and open door policy administration that shall bring about a virile Union, adding that the welfare, empowerment and unity of journalists across the state shall be the priority of his administration.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Mr. Michael Ikeogwu on his election victory as the Delta state council chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Governor Okowa in a statement on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu said Ikeogwu no doubt enjoys the confidence of his colleagues to have overwhelmingly elected him to lead them despite several postponements of the election.
The Governor noted that the election was keenly contested as all contestants campaigned vigorously to earn the trust and support of their colleagues.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Comrade Micheal Ikeogwu and his executive members on their election into the State Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council. I also congratulate Comrade Fidelis Egugbo and all others who fought gallantly for various positions. You may have lost today, but be rest assured that you have enriched the democratic process of the NUJ.”
Governor Okowa, therefore urged the new Executive to work harmoniously with all stakeholders in the union in order to position the union adequately for her role as the watch dog of the society.
