National Industrial Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Kwara NUJ Election

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Ibadan Division has dismissed the suit challenging the July 31st, 2024 State Triennial Conference of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The Suit No., NICN/IL/08/2024 was filed to stop the re-election of the incumbent Chairman of Kwara NUJ, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed.

Justice J.D. Peter, who presided over the case, also awarded a sum of N100,000 each against the first claimant in the suit, Babajide Fadeyi, and in favour of all the seven defendants in the case.

The defendants in the case include Kwara NUJ Chairman, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed; immediate past National President of NUJ, Comrade Christopher Isiguzo; National Secretary, Achike Chude; former NUJ Zone ‘D’ Vice President, Christopher Atsaka; Chairman and Secretary, Credential Screening Committee of Kwara NUJ, Abdulhameed Funsho Alaye and Sulyman Jimoh Gobir and NUJ.

The court also dismissed an application by Dare Akogun to join the suit.

It would be recalled that Ahmed was re-elected as Kwara NUJ chairman late July last year, trouncing his major challenger, Dare Akogun with 100 votes to 51 votes.

‘No Victor, No Vanquished’

Speaking on the development, the Kwara NUJ chairman, Ahmed described the court verdict as no victor no vanquished, adding that it remains a phase in life.

Ahmed noted that he has learnt many lessons arising from the litigation and urged members of the council to unite and work for the interest of the union.

He also commended NUJ leaders in the state for their unwavering commitment in advancing the course of the union through constant peace moves and partnership.

“In the last 24 hours, I have taken my time to ponder and reflect on the outcome of yesterday’s proceedings at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Ibadan Division, which dismissed the suit challenging my re-election, the implication of which would rub off on other members of the State Working Committee (SWC) if it turned out to be the other way round.

“Those who know our antecedents can vouch for us any day, any time that we have never been power mongers and we have never pretended to be one, for power is transient, and HE alone gives power whom HE wills.

“To think of the past seven months that the legal landmines were placed on our path, it has never been a walk in the park. Is it the trip to Ibadan to attend court proceedings, which could end tragically on the road or the huge financial resources squandered on this needless academic exercise or productive time wasted? And it was all in a bid to truncate what has been destined to be.

“Even though it is not in my character to open old wounds, for I have allowed many plots aimed at me to slide, it needs to be on record that I felt pained and disappointed that the arrowhead of those who orchestrated the litigation benefitted from my benevolence. Were it not for how I and others stood gallantly when the fellow was enmeshed in financial mess that could perpetually ruin him when he held sway as a Council Leader, it would have been a different ball game.

“As a believer in Almighty God, I have resolved to put the past behind me, for as they plot, Almighty God has been undoing their plots. It takes a large heart and compassion to turn blind eye to the wrongs that were intentionally committed and designed to spite you. To HIM alone be the glory”, Ahmed said.

Emmanuel Ukoh