Media
THE Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, has dissociated itself from the recent communiqué issued by the State Council Congress.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the Chapel’s emergency congress held Wednesday in Makurdi.
The congress deliberated on developments within the union and the conduct of the State Council leadership.
The Chapel passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia and his media team for sustaining cordial relations with journalists.
Members congratulated the governor on his 60th birthday and victory at the APC governorship primaries.
The Chapel also commended the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, for professionalism and efforts to sanitise journalism practice in the state.
It rejected the purported vote of no confidence earlier passed against Kula by the State Council Congress.
According to the communiqué, the earlier position did not reflect the views of genuine congress members.
The Chapel alleged that non-professionals and hired individuals influenced decisions reached at the congress.
Members raised concerns over alleged unaccounted funds realised from schools owned by the State Council.
They also questioned the utilisation of N3 million allegedly received from the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, for chairs procurement.
The congress further demanded accountability for donations allegedly made to the union by Governor Alia.
The donations reportedly included N10 million, a bus and palm trees.
Members alleged that N3.5 million from the donation was diverted and not properly accounted for.
The Chapel condemned the alleged commercialisation of the union’s bus by the NUJ chairman.
It claimed journalists were required to pay at least N50,000 before using the vehicle for official assignments.
The congress accused the chairman of factionalising the union and sidelining genuine members.
Members also alleged that the chairman publicly embarrassed the union through disputes over financial matters.
The Chapel cited an incident at the APC Secretariat during the primaries involving alleged physical confrontation among members.
It described as embarrassing comments allegedly portraying Governor Alia as stingy compared to governors of other states.
The congress further accused the chairman of attempting to declare industrial action without due approval.
It also alleged refusal to subject the council’s finances to audit since assuming office.
Consequently, the Chapel passed a vote of no confidence in the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber.
The Chapel directed its members in the State Working Committee and other council committees to withdraw from activities immediately.
It also announced total withdrawal from State Council activities pending resolution of the issues raised.
The congress adopted an earlier letter dated Oct. 6, 2025, seeking explanations on the allegations.
The communiqué was signed by the Chapel Chairman, Martins Kajo, and Secretary, John Shiaondo.
F.O
Tags: NUJ Benue