…Ilorin demand thorough investigation

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, have urged the union’s national body to immediately suspend the state chairman, Abdulateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, for his alleged “inglorious role” in the suspension of three members of the union in the state.

 

The call was made on Wednesday at a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre on old Offa road, Ilorin, in solidarity with the affected members: Comrades Adamu Usman Sabi (state information chapel) Mosunmola Ayobami (correspondent chapel) and Dare Akogun (Sobi FM chapel).

 

The protesting journalists, on a solidarity March, displayed placards with inscriptions: suspended the Kwara NUJ chairman pending investigation; NUJ, give our members fair hearing, due process must prevail; no to impunity, no to intimidation, no to harassment and; NUJ must practise what it preaches – fairness, justice and accountability,” to press home their demands.

 

Recall that the trio were suspended by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union at the last NEC meeting in Dutse, Jigawa State.

 

They sought the suspension of the state chairman pending an investigation into his alleged role in the circumstances that led to the controversial suspension, adding that he ought not to be in office while allegations concerning his conduct in the matter are being investigated.

 

The members appealed to the NUJ national leadership to ensure that fair hearing and due process were observed in all disciplinary proceedings, while taking steps to restore peace and unity in the Kwara State Council.

 

The protesters described the suspension as a matter of “serious concern”, arguing that the affected journalists were not given opportunity to defend themselves before the decision was reached.

 

They said the action raised questions about adherence to justice, fairness and due process within the union.

 

According to them, “the circumstances surrounding the court case involving the Kwara State Council may have been presented to the national leadership in a misleading manner.”

 

They specifically disputed the alleged portrayal of the “three loyal but suspended members” as those who instituted the court action against the union.

 

They hinted that available information indicated that the case was instituted by Fadeyi Babajide of the Federal Information Chapel and the late Saka Laaro of the Correspondents’ Chapel, rather than the three suspended journalists.

 

The members therefore urged the NUJ national leadership to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and the subsequent suspension before allowing the disciplinary action to stand.

 

They suggested an impartial investigation that would strengthen, rather than weaken, the credibility of the union and restore confidence in its members.

 

They stressed that their demand was not intended to create division within the union but to ensure accountability and fairness.

 

The group said the NUJ must uphold internally the same principles of justice, accountability and due process that journalists advocate for in society.

 

They added that the union’s credibility would be strengthened when disagreements among members were handled transparently and in accordance with its established rules.

 

The members concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the unity and integrity of the NUJ, saying their position was based on the demand for justice, fair hearing and accountability rather than confrontation or revenge.