Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, has passed a vote of no confidence on the Credentials and Screening Committee (CSC) of the Triennial Delegate Conference.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency congress on Tuesday, and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Tife Owolabi, and the Secretary, Mrs. Pauline Onyibe, the FCC expressed dissatisfaction with the screening process.
communiqué noted that some candidates were unfairly disqualified, while others who did not meet the eligibility criteria were cleared by the CSC and endorsed by the NUJ National Secretariat in Abuja.
According to FCC declared its intention to boycott the election entirely, further stating that its representative on the CSC, Mr. Bassey Willie, who is a member has been withdrawn from participating in the process.
“The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel, rising from an Emergency Congress on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, resolved as follows:
After carefully observing the processes leading to the Thursday, October 31, 2024, Bayelsa State Council Election, we express grave concern and dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Credentials and Screening Committee (CSC).
We have noted with dismay that certain candidates were wrongfully disqualified, while others who did not meet the required criteria were cleared by the CSC and endorsed by the NUJ National Secretariat in Abuja.
Given our loss of confidence in the integrity of the election process due to the actions of the CSC and the NUJ National leadership, we hereby pass a vote of no confidence on the CSC and the entire election process.
As a result, we are boycotting the election in its entirety. Additionally, our representative on the CSC, Mr. Bassey Willie, is hereby withdrawn from further participation in the process.
We are closely monitoring the activities of the Bayelsa State Council of the NUJ, and further developments could compel us to withdraw from the state council altogether.”
The FCC emphasized that its decision reflects its commitment to fairness, integrity, and accountability within the union’s electoral process.