The Guardian newspaper correspondent emerges as Kano Correspondents’ Chapel’s Chair

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected a new leadership to pilot its affairs following the successful conduct of its long-awaited chapel elections.

The elections, held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano, produced Murtala Adewale of The Guardian Newspapers as the new Chairman, after he polled 17 votes to defeat his opponent Ahmad Sorondinki of ThisDay Newspapers, who scored 12 votes.

In a statement by Mustapha Adamu, outgoing secretary of the chapel, the Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Mr. Fanen Ihyongo, announced the results and commended members for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democratic principles.

In other keenly contested positions:

* Salihu Ali of Voice of Nigeria (VON) emerged as Assistant Secretary, polling 16 votes against 13 secured by Khadija Aliyu of FRCN.

* Mrs. Longtong Yakubu of Leadership Newspapers was elected Auditor, defeating her colleague from the same organisation with 17 votes to 12.

Three positions were returned unopposed:

* Vice Chairman: Yusuf Bala (VON)

* Secretary: Salim Umar Ibrahim (Daily Trust)

* Treasurer: Bashir Bello (Vanguard Newspapers)

* Financial Secretary: Ramatu Garba (News Agency of Nigeria – NAN)

The Acting Chairman of the Kano State NUJ Council, Mustapha Gambo, who represented the Council Chairman, Comrade Suleiman Dederi, presented certificates of return to the newly elected executives.

In his acceptance speech, newly elected Chairman Murtala Adewale described his victory as the dawn of a new era, pledging to unite members, promote welfare, and prioritise capacity building within the chapel.

“This is a mandate for change, inclusion, and collective progress. I promise to carry everyone along and elevate the profile and professionalism of our chapel,” he said.

On his part, the representative of the state council chairman, Mustapha Gambo, commended the chapel for conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election, urging the new leadership to be accountable, transparent, and inclusive in steering the affairs of the chapel.