By Iliya Kure
A veteran broadcaster and Head of Operation, Freedom Radio Kaduna, Abubakar Jidda Usman, says only the National leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has final say on qualification or otherwise of candidates standing for election into various offices of the union.
He stated this while receiving the campaign team of Asma’u Yawo Halilu, who is contesting for chairmanship position in Kaduna State Council of the union.
In mid-November, during screening, Ms. Halilu was disqualified by the state council credentials committee, only to be reinstated by the National Secretariat of the union, who deemed her qualified by all standards.
The action of the National Secretariat did not go well with the credential committee members, who opposed the move, saying they were an independent body, and that their decision must be final.
Drawing from history, Mr. Jidda, recalled how he once contested for the same position in the same union in Kaduna in 1995, and was also disqualified by the credentials committee, but the National leadership of the Union intervened and reinstated him to take part in the race.
“The National leadership had to declare my disqualification null and void after reviewing my case, because I was unduly and unconstitutionally treated by the then credentials committee.
“Though, I later stepped down for Kajuru, who later won the election and emerged Chairman,” he said.
Jidda explained that constitutional provisions guiding conduct of NUJ elections were explicit in reserving final review of decision of credential committee with the apex body of the Union in Abuja, stating that there would have been no need for the heated argument by the umpires of 2021 exercise.
“I must commend doggedness, passion and zeal of next Chairman of the council – I learnt she is now unopposed which I consider to be a welcome development for the unity of all members,” he said.
Jidda urged Ms. Halilu to rid the profession of quack elements parading as journalists as soon as she assumed Chairmanship of the council on 18 December 2021, pointing out that unqualified practitioners were giving the noble profession a bad name.
In her remarks, Ms. Halilu said she was at the broadcast outfit to show her appreciation for the unflinching support and solidarity she had been getting from the Freedom Radio Chapel, pledging to make a top priority issues of welfare of members of the Union and carry along stakeholders in decision-making process of her administration.
On her campaign train were Mr. Daniel Duniya and Santos Gambo, who are contesting for the posts of Vice-Chairman and Secretary respectively.