Could it be true that the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) lacks the educational qualifications to lead the union?
This is the contention of Mr Waheed Odusile, the immediate past president of the union who finished runners up in the election conducted last year.Two NUJ presidents take battle to National Industrial Court
He has approached the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja querying the educational qualification of Mr. Chris Isiguzo, who was declared winner of the election.
Instead, Odusile, through his counsel, Barr. Okeke Obinna is asking to be declared winner of the election which held last October 4-5.
In the suit with No. NICN/ABJ/312, the former NUJ President averred tbat Isiguzo was not a qualified and valid member of NUJ and as a result couldn’t have been duly elected in that election.
He is also asking for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from parading himself as the National President of NUJ forthwith.
An order mandating the defendant to vacate the official office of the National President of NUJ at the NUJ National Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja-FCT and hand over same to the Claimant.
An order for the Claimant to be sworn-in as the National President of NUJ with immediate effect and to take over the official office of NUJ National President.
A declaration that the tenure of the Claimant shall take effect from the date the Claimant takes oath of office.
The NUJ Credentials Committee had allegedly jettisoned series of petitions from one Felicia Agbo, alleging forgery, to clear Isiguzo for the election.
The Eagle can recall that Isiguzo, South East Bureau Chief of ThisDay Newspaper had polled 346 votes to defeat the incumbent who polled 329 votes.
The election was held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta , Ogun State, and had as Returning Officer, Benson Upah, from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
In all, seven journalists contested in the election.
Commending the peaceful conduct of all the participants, Upah, National Head of Information and Public Affairs, declared Isiguzo winner.
Other results were Bamidele Atunbi101 votes, Abiodun Olalere, 56 votes, Uzaka Abraham got 30 votes, Jacob Edi, 16 votes and Alademka Adelegan 9 votes.
