Akodu assumes office as NUJ Lagos Council Chairman

Anaba kicks, alleges electoral malpractice
The endorsed and elected unopposed Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Adewale Akodu, yesterday, assumed office amid protests.

Akodu, during his swearing-in at the NUJ Lagos State Council Secretariat, 22 Iyalla Street, Alausa, Ikeja, pledged to prioritise the welfare, professional development, rights and interests of journalists in the state.

The new chairman, who expressed gratitude to members for entrusting him with the mandate, said his administration would be guided by three major pillars: welfarism, professionalism and capacity building.

Meanwhile, the only opponent in the election, Innocent Anaba, who withdrew before the election, said the fight was not over, saying that he would go to any length to see a union that represents journalists.

Anaba said that delegates’ list was inflated and deadline for campaign breached, but instead of sanctions, the party that breached the deadline was rewarded with an extension.

He said that he sought clarifications and documents on the delegates added to the list, particularly the Lagos Information Chapel, which increased to 309, but there was no response from the committee and the national body of the union.

The opponent said that the odds worked against him from the start, saying that participating in the election was not wise, as he would be accused of failing to withdraw when he noticed the manipulations.

Also, Chairman of the electoral committee, Wahab Akinlade, said that the journey was not without challenges, pressures and difficult moments.

He, however, said that patience, resilience, maturity and commitment to the ideals of the union gave strength to navigate the process and discharge the responsibility.