An aggrieved member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Adubi, has filed a lawsuit against the union and its President, Chris Isiguzo, over an alleged plan to extend their tenure. Adubi, a member of the NUJ, lodged the suit at the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja.
The claimant, who intends to participate in the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference scheduled for November in Imo, alleged that the union’s actions violate certain provisions of its 2023 Constitution (as amended).
In the suit marked NICN/ABJ/328/2024, dated September 9 and filed on September 10 through his lawyer, Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, Adubi named the NUJ and Isiguzo as the 1st and 2nd defendants.
Adubi argued that the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on August 9 lacked the authority to extend the tenure of the Central Working Committee (CWC) members, whose tenure is expected to end on October 6.
He relied on Article 5(a)(3) of the NUJ Constitution, which stipulates that the Triennial National Delegates’ Conference must be held every three years at a venue decided by the NEC. The purpose is to receive and review reports and accounts, revise the constitution if necessary, address questions of general policy raised by any member, and elect national officers of the union.
It is recalled that the Chris Isiguzo-led CWC members were elected on October 7, 2021, with a mandate for a three-year term, set to expire on October 6, 2024.
Adubi contended that the attempt to extend the tenure orchestrated by Isiguzo is a gross violation of the NUJ Constitution. He further alleged that the leadership failed to establish the Credentials Committee three months prior to the expiration of its tenure, as required by the constitution.
As a result, the Kaduna-based journalist called on the court to dissolve the CWC in the best interest of the union. He also requested the dissolution of the Credentials Committee for non-compliance with the NUJ Constitution and abuse of the union’s regulations.
Additionally, Adubi urged the court to permit chairmen and secretaries of NUJ councils to assume control of the union’s affairs from October 6, and to initiate the election process within the next three months, as provided in the constitution.
