Ikuogwu emerges new chairman of Warri Correspondence Chapel of NUJ • Defeats opposition with 3 votes

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Warri


Comrade Michael Ikuogwu of Pointer Newspaper has emerged the new chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalist, Warri Correspondence Chapel.

Out of the 29 accredited voters, the NUJ electoral committee disqualified Comrade Patrick Uzoyi Peters on technical grounds leaving 28 eligible voters to vote for candidates of their choice.

Another undisclosed name was also disqualified by the electoral committee for excessive cancellation of the voters’ form. Out of the remaining 27, Comrade Michael Ikuogwu pulled 15 votes while Mr. Idowu Sylvester of Tribune Newspaper pulled 12 votes.

Other candidates who returned unopposed are Mr. Chido Okafor of Guardian Newspaper as Vice Chairman and Mr. Dennis Otu of Pointer Newspaper as Secretary.

Comrade Michael Ikuogwu who spoke with our correspondent expressed happiness and dedicated the victory to God Almighty.
Comrade Ikuogwu said part of the problems he encountered before the election was that of stiff opposition. The new NUJ helmsman told Fresh Angle that he has put the opposition he faced behind him. He revealed that his greatest rival was his colleague, Mr. Dennis Otu who initially intended contesting the same position before “he later stepped down for somebody”.

He promised to carry everyone along in his administration to ensure that the Nigerian Union of Journalist Warri Chapel move forward, adding that he cannot do it alone.

To politicians he said, they have to draw a lesson for 2011 election from the transparent manner in which the Nigerian Union of Journalist, Warri Chapel’s election was conducted irrespective of the fact that there were stiff oppositions.

The immediate past NUJ Secretary, said that his administration hopes to ensure the security of lives of Journalists in Warri in the 2011 general elections by collaborating with the police, state security services and other security agencies within their jurisdiction, vowing that whatever he can do to enhance the welfare of Journalists he will.

Meanwhile some anti-Comrade Michael Ikuogwu forces have said that they are going to put up a petition, claiming that everything about the election and his victory were unconstitutional.

Efforts to speak with Mr. Sylvester Idowu of Tribune Newspaper as at press time were futile.