By Okiemute Okpomor Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, immediate past chairman, Warri Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalist(NUJ) has emerged chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist(NUJ), Delta State Council in a keenly contested election.
Ikeogwu, one time chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN) and Warri correspondent of Pointer Newspaper who declared winner by Com. Gbemiga Bamidele deployed by the national body of the NUJ defeated Com. Fidelis Egugbo, Government House Correspondent also of the Pointer Newspaper in an election that was postponed twice that saw Com. Ikeogwu scoring 156 votes to Com. Egugbo’s 120 .
Com. Patrick Ochei defeated Com. Ben Dunno and Com. Lucky Ubiebor to emerge the vice chairman and Com. Churchill Oyowe who garnered 166 votes emerge Secretary, others who emerged victorious were Com. Celestine Afokobah, Assistant Secretary, Com. Ochuko Akuopha, Financial Secretary among others.
In his remarks, Com. Ikeogwu called on members to bury to bury the hatchet over the acrimony occasioned by the campaigns leading to the election, he appealed to those who lost out in the election to join hands with him to move the Union to greater heights. He promised that the welfare of members would be paramount to his administration just as he dedicated his victory to God and members of the Union, adding, “this victory is for all of us including those that contested against me. This victory is not mine alone.”
Meanwhile, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State has congratulated Com. Michael Ikeogwu on his election as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council.
Governor Okowa in a statement on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu said Ikeogwu no doubt enjoys the confidence of his colleagues to have overwhelmingly elected him to lead them despite several postponements of the election.
The Governor noted that the election was keenly contested as all contestants campaigned vigorously to earn the trust and support of their colleagues.
“According to the governor, on behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Comrade Micheal Ikeogwu and his executive members on their election into the State Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council. Ialso congratulate Comrade Fidelis Egugbo and all others who fought gallantly for various positions. You may have lost today, but be rest assured that you have enriched the democratic process of the NUJ.”
While thanking the Credentials Committee and the Caretaker Committee for successfully organising a peaceful, fair and credible election, Governor Okowa assured the new Executive of the continued support and partnership of the state government with the NUJ.
The Governor further urged the new Executive to work harmoniously with all stakeholders in the union in order to position the union adequately for her role as the watch dog of the society.
