By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa State has passed a Vote of No Confidence on the Credentials and Screening Committee (CSC) ahead of the Triennial Delegate Conference scheduled for October 31, 2024.
This decision arose from an emergency congress held on October 29, where members expressed dissatisfaction over the disqualification of certain candidates and the clearance of others who did not meet the necessary requirements
In a communique signed by Chairman Mr. Tife Owolabi and Secretary Mrs. Pauline Onyibe, the FCC highlighted concerns regarding the integrity of the election processes, stating that the CSC’s actions undermined the credibility of the upcoming elections.
Consequently, they resolved to boycott the election entirely and withdrew their representative, Mr. Bassey Willie, from the CSC.
The communique emphasized that the FCC would continue to monitor activities within the Bayelsa State Council of NUJ, hinting at potential further actions if issues persist. This development reflects ongoing tensions within the NUJ concerning electoral transparency and governance in Bayelsa State, raising questions about the future of journalistic integrity in the region.
Bayelsa State NUJ Triennial Delegate Conference: FCC passes vote of no confidence on CSC, vows to boycott election
The Communique reads:”The Federated Correspondents Chapel rising from an Emergency Congress on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, resolved as follows:
“That, after careful observation of ye processes leading to the Thursday, October 31, 2024 Bayelsa State Council Election, we express grave concern and dissatisfaction on the position of the Credential Screening Committee (CSC).
“That, some candidates were wrongfully disqualified while others who did not meet the requirements were cleared by the Credential Screening Committee n endorsed by the National Secretariat of the NUJ in Abuja.
“That, having lost confidence in the integrity of the processes leading to the election by the conduct of the Credential Screening Committee and the NUJ National leadership, we pass a Vote of No Confidence on the Credential Screening Committee and the entire electioneering process.
“That, we are therefore boycotting the election in it’s entirety. The chapel representative in the Credential Screening Committee, Mr. Bassey Willie, is hereby withdrawn from the process.
“That, we are still observing the activities of the Bayelsa State Council of the NUJ which could result in our pulling out of the state council.
