The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is teetering on the edge of collapse as its monthly congress descended into chaos for the second consecutive time, raising serious questions about the leadership of Chairman Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed.
The yesterday’s congress was marred by poor conduct attributed to Ahmed, who allegedly failed to uphold due process in the conduct of meetings, displaying incompetence in maintaining cohesion within the Council.
Members accused him of selectively applying the union’s constitution in favour of his friends and political allies, undermining the credibility of the NUJ in Kwara State.
Among the damning allegations is Ahmed’s purported indulgence of Gbenga Ishola, who holds a position in another professional organization within the State Working Committee (SWC), a clear violation of the union’s constitution.
Article 6 section 7 (d) states that “A member holding an elective office in any other professional association shall not be eligible to contest elections in the Union except the position being held by the member of the Union is in the Nigeria Labour Congress”.
Additionally, Assistant Secretary Yinka Alaya was said to have been impeached since last year for conspicuously absent for over a year, contrary to the union’s constitutional provisions. This raised eyebrows, with accusations mounting against both Alaya and Ahmed for flouting the union’s constitutional provisions.
Adding fuel to the fire, Alaya’s purported acceptance of a political appointment from Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, further emphasized the chairman’s disregard for the union’s regulations.
“Article 5 C section 11 (b) is clear on this issue it states that any CWC or NEC, SWC, SEC member who gets political appointment shall resign his position or shall be relived of such position by the proclamation of the National Executive Council of the Union within one month.
However, tensions reached a boiling point when the Council Chairman attempted to remove Council Secretary, Comrade Omotayo Ayanda, sparking a raucous session.
Ayanda had revealed to the Congress that since assuming the position of secretary, attempts have been made by the chairman’s faction to oust him due to his perceived opposition to their agenda.
Despite their efforts, Ayanda remained steadfast, vowing to withstand any further attempts to remove him.
Numerous other issues contributed to the rising tension within the union, including unresolved disputes concerning National League of Veterans Journalists (NALVEJ) and an impending court case scheduled for the 6th of this month, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the organization’s future.
This yesterday failure follows the previous Congress’s chaotic conclusion, marked by the chairman’s alleged obstruction of the inauguration of the Kwara NUJ Online Chapel, further fueling speculation regarding Ahmed’s motives and leadership capabilities.
As the Kwara NUJ teeters on the brink of collapse, members are left grappling with the urgent need for decisive action to restore trust, integrity, and adherence to the union’s founding principles.
With mounting grievances and internal strife threatening to tear the organization apart, the road to recovery appears fraught with challenges, leaving the fate of the union hanging in the balance.
With the union’s integrity hanging in the balance, the recurring chaos and alleged malpractices under Chairman Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed’s leadership cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the Kwara NUJ, leaving members disillusioned and clamoring for accountability and reform.
