The Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel on Wednesday in Abuja dissolved its executive for non performance.
The dissolution followed a vote of no confidence passed on the executive at an emergency congress of the chapel.
The chapel backed its action on Article 5, Section F, (6b) of the NUJ Constitution.
Mrs Hauwa Lawal, a Senior Editor, had moved a motion for the dissolution of the executive of the union, which was seconded by Miss Abigail Joshua, an Editor.
Lawal frowned at the non-challant attitude of the officials to members’ welfare.
She also said that the Chairman, Comrade Joseph Edeh had breached the union’s constitution by failing to conduct congresses regularly.
“I have observed in recent times the non-challant attitude of NAN NUJ Exco on issues of staff welfare and promotion which have negatively affected the confidence of members
“There is no gainsaying that the relationship between NAN management and the exco is frosty and this has led to suspicion and distrust.
“The situation at hand is so bad that NUJ members are now categorised as Radio Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU) members.
“In view of the above, I hereby move a motion for the dissolution of the exco as we have lost confidence in its capacity to administer the affairs of our great union,’’ she said.
The senior editor’s position was unanimously supported by members.
Reacting to the dissolution, Edeh described the action as an in -house coup, adding that a session of members were bent on destroying the good legacy the exco had set.
He said the meeting did not follow due process, adding “union matters cannot be discussed during the agency’s expanded editorial meeting”.
According to him, the exco has fixed Jan. 26, for congress to table all grievances.
“I don’t have any reaction to what just happened other than to say it was an in-house coup and it is not procedural’’, he said.
NAN reports that a 3-man Caretaker Committee comprising Comrade Martins Odeh, Mrs Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni and Miss Maureen Okon was inaugurated immediately to handle the affairs of the union pending when elections would be conducted. (NAN)
