The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has taken a major step towards its forthcoming council election with the constitution of a five-member Credentials Committee in line with the provisions of the NUJ Constitution.
The committee was inaugurated during the Union’s August Congress held at the NUJ Secretariat in Lagos.
The constitution of the committee is in accordance with the NUJ Constitution, which provides for the establishment of an electoral committee three months before the expiration of an administration.
The five members were nominated by members of the Union in line with the stipulated guidelines. They are Wahab Akinlade of Radio Nigeria; Abraham Akpabio of the Correspondents Chapel; Oluwakemi Shitta-Bey of the Federal Information Chapel; Bayo Akomolafe of New Telegraph; and Olatunde Ekundayo of the Lagos Information Chapel.
The committee has been charged with the responsibility of conducting a free, fair, transparent and credible election for the Lagos State Council.
Speaking at the occasion, NUJ Lagos State Council Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality and strict adherence to the provisions of the NUJ Constitution.
Reacting to his nomination as Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Akinlade described the assignment as a “rare privilege,” expressing appreciation for the confidence reposed in him.
He assured members that the committee would uphold fairness, transparency, impartiality and integrity throughout the electoral process.
According to him, the committee would ensure that all eligible members are provided with a level playing field while ensuring that the will of the electorate is respected.
Akinlade also appealed to contestants and delegates to approach the election with maturity, discipline and sportsmanship, stressing that all members remain part of one professional family regardless of the outcome of the contest.
He said the election should ultimately strengthen the Union and promote unity among journalists in Lagos State.
With the constitution of the Credentials Committee, attention has now shifted to the emerging electoral contest, as members of the Lagos NUJ look forward to the emergence of candidates and the programmes they will present to the electorate.
The development is expected to provide members with the opportunity to assess the candidates and their visions before making informed choices at the polls.