NUJ FCT Election: Court halts processes over non adherence to Constitution

By Jude Opara, Abuja

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (Abuja Division) has halted the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council election over non compliance with provisions of its Constitution.
A member of the body, Emeka Nzeh of the Blueprint Newspapers approached the Industrial Court due to alleged composition of the credentials committee outside the letters of the NUJ constitution.
The notice of suspension of the processes to the election was served by Tony Ogbulafor, counsel to the Claimant.
Nze had approached the Industrial Court through his Counsel, Tony Ogbulafor to disqualify Mr. Henry Umoru (Vanguard) and Sarah Odugbo (FCDA Chapel) members of the credentials committee over their non qualifications.
According to the Petition written to the National Secretariat, Nze alleged that Umoru (Vanguard) had no degree in journalism, Mass Communication or Media Art as provided by Article 3 (2) (a-d) of the NUJ constitution while alleging that Sarah Odugbo under Article 4 is not financially update.
Nze in the petition addressed to the NUJ National Secretary, Mr. Achike Chudy said; “In line with the reviewed NUJ Constitution, I hereby petition against the above-named individuals as members of the NUJ FCT Credentials Committee
“Ms. Odugbo and Mr. Umoru have not fulfilled the relevant constitutional provisions of Articles 3(1), 3(2 a-d) and Article 4(2 a) as both of them do not have the relevant educational qualifications and met their financial obligations to the Union.
“Further to these, Ms. Odugbo willfully in 2021 publicly said at the NAWOJ FCT triennial conference in Abuja that she was done with the association and the NUJ and have stayed away from ALL activities of the association and the NUJ until four (4) months ago when she reappeared.
“By virtue of Article 6(7 f) Ms. Odugbo could not possibly have attended even 50% of congress or union activities.
“In adherence to the Union’s constitution, the National Secretariat should act accordingly and clear all doubts by making the professional qualifications of Ms. Odugbo and Mr. Umoru public.”
Ogbulafor’s chamber, in the letter addressed to the Defendants and served on Friday said, “We are Counsel to the Claimant in the above named Suit and on his behalf write to notify you that the said Suit is now pending before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (Abuja Division). A photocopy of the writ of summons is attached for your guidance.
“By the operation of the lis pendis rule, you are to withhold all actions concerning the subject matter of the Suit pending the hearing and determination of the Suit. You will be guilty of contempt of Court should you go ahead to do anything that will in any way impact on the subject matter of the Suit.”
The suit number as given is NICN/Abj/420/2024.