*Vows Improved Welfare For Members
THE re-elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Churchill Oyowe, has pledged to promote unity among members and work towards improved welfare for journalists in the state.
Speaking on Thursday night, October 15, shortly after being declared as re-elected for the next three years by the NUJ National Vice President, Zone F, and head of the electoral committee, Opaka Dokubo, following the election held at the council’s secretariat on Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, Oyowe also vowed to uphold the rules, regulations and constitution of the union.
Oyowe, of the state Ministry of Information, defeated his colleague and challenger, Kenneth Obieh, by 238 to 218 votes.
In other positions contested, Felix Ekwu polled 237 votes to defeat Pere Botu, who secured 202 votes to emerge Secretary, while Patrick Ochie beat Monday Osayande by 241 to 173 votes to emerge as Vice Chairman, while Josephine Omodior polled 267 votes to defeat Andy Emephis, who garnered 188 votes, to retain the position of Assistant Secretary.
F, who announced Oyowe as the winner of the chairmanship position.
Toju Oteri, Caroline Ubini and Michael Ilaya had earlier emerged unopposed as Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor, respectively.
Following the declaration of the results, Oyowe and other officers were sworn into office.
Following his inauguration, Oyowe promised that his second term would focus on further development and taking the union to greater heights, saying his administration would learn from the challenges of the previous three years and work with members to move the union forward.
According to him: “Whatever the outcome of today, it is a divine arrangement. We cannot say anyone is vanquished. We are all victors in this exercise.”
He promised that the new executive would work as a team, improve relations with members and give everyone a sense of belonging, regardless of whom they supported during the election.
“As the chairman, we pledge to work as a team going forward. We have plans to work for the progress of this council.
“We are going to take a cue from the challenges we faced in the past three years to better our working relationship.”
Oyowe congratulated the other candidates, including Obieh, urging members to put the election behind them and work together for the progress of the union.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his support to the council, particularly the donation of a brand new Toyota Hiace bus, among others, while also recalling his promise of a solar power system, work on which is in progress.
The chairman expressed hope that the union would secure a better welfare package for journalists next year.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, urged members to support the new leadership, stressing that the election was fairly conducted and won.
Aniagwu stated: “I am happy that the election has been keenly contested, conducted fairly and won fairly.”
The commissioner charged members who supported other candidates to accept the outcome and cooperate with Oyowe, who should be recognised as the leader of the council, adding: “Whether you supported him or voted for another candidate, he is now your chairman and leader.”
Aniagwu challenged Oyowe to fulfil his promise to carry all members along and ensure that their needs and aspirations were considered in running the union, saying the state government would not discriminate against journalists based on their support for any candidate during the election.
“On behalf of the governor, I want to assure the union that, in the weeks and months ahead, we will provide even greater support than we have given in the past,” he said.
The commissioner promised to lead the new executive to meet the governor, even as he called for stronger cooperation between the state government and the union.
Dokubo had earlier while announcing the results commended security personnel deployed to provide security and other stakeholders for their contributions toward a peaceful and orderly exercise.
