Presidential Aspirant for the position of national president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Dele Atunbi at his campaign visit to the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna, Wednesday, while displaying his agenda for the union members condemned agitators for zoning the position to the north saying that the position of national president should be given on merit and not based on religional status.
He recommended that antecedence be used, past achievements and records of integrity be considered in choosing who takes the union to the next level.
According to him; “For me, my achievements as Secretary and Chairman of NUJ Ondo State Council stands me out as most qualified for the position. Even as Vice President of Zone B, I was able to bring sanity and professionalism to bare.”
“As for those calling for zoning, the NUJ should put the interest of members first, their welfare, safety and salaries and not that of where the candidates come from.”
He added that the preacher of zoning was impeached 9 months into his tenure, was unable to function for lack of focus. “We are coming to bring the union to the greatest of heights, reposition the body, make members respected, give safety, Journalists salary structure and insurance for all members.”
On what happens to veterans a question that was asked by Taudeen Ajibade, his response was apt, he said that the welfare of veterans was already included in the Constitution of the NUJ and stressed that as chairman of the Ondo State Council he made provisions for them.
“When I was in charge in Ondo, I made sure that veterans who had even stopped coming to the Secretariat for the way they were treated came back, we created a welfare package for them. Like we know their experience is important.”
He said that the position of national president be a transformational leader and not a transactional one. “Journalists are not to be referred to as beggars, they should be seen as those moulding the society for greater good.’
