NUJ FCT Passes Vote Of Confidence On Grace Ike-Led Council, Condemns Impersonation, Internal Sabotage
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has passed a unanimous vote of confidence on its Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, following a well-attended Congress held on Saturday, 28th June 2025, at the Council’s Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
Over 450 members turned up for the monthly meeting, which progressed smoothly until concerns were raised during the “State of the Union/Nation” segment.
The Council was shocked to discover that its official social media handles had allegedly been hijacked and rebranded by a former chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche.
The Council accused him of changing the official name from NUJ FCT Council to Nigeria Media Group, and tampering with the Union’s logo, acts the Congress described as “wilful and destructive.”
In a strongly worded resolution, members condemned the former chairman’s actions, especially in light of his administration’s failure to present an audited statement of accounts.
The Union has now mandated the current leadership to escalate the matter to the Police for investigation under the Cybercrime Act of 2024 (as amended).
The Congress also deliberated on reported threats and acts of violence linked to an alleged planned unlawful takeover of the Union.
A disturbing revelation came from Comrade Osisam Ede of the Correspondents Chapel, who said he was assaulted by Comrade Emeka Nzeh of Blueprint newspaper.
Ede claimed Nzeh had sent him threatening messages indicating a planned disruption of the Union’s activities.
While some members called for the immediate suspension of the alleged agitators, legal counsel advised the Congress to follow due process.
As a result, Comrades Emeka Nzeh, Johnchuks Onuahim, and others have been referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for thorough investigation.
Amid the tension, members took time to applaud the achievements of the present administration under Comrade Grace Ike.
The Congress praised her inclusive leadership style and passed a vote of confidence in her ability to lead the Union to greater heights, urging detractors to allow her focus on governance.
On a separate note, the Union discussed the planned protest by over 40,000 workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) slated for June 30 to July 2.
While recognising that some members of the NUJ within those agencies will be affected, the Council appealed to the FCT Minister, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, to address the workers’ concerns, describing him as a “man of the people and friend of the media.”
The Congress ended with a renewed resolve to uphold journalistic integrity, unity, and due process in handling all internal matters.