From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bayelsa State Council, during the Triennial Delegates Conference held in Yenagoa over the weekend, has elected Mr Tonye Yemoleigha as the new chairman of the council.
Yemoleigha polled 213 votes to defeat his only challenger and erstwhile secretary of the council, Ogio Ipigansi who polled 206 votes.
Other elected members of the executive include Stanley Imgbi – Secretary, Aqua Akpuruku – Assistant Secretary, Tekninyo Theophilus – Treasurer, Theophilus Agidee – Financial Secretary and Grace Iwolo – Auditor.
In his acceptance, the newly elected chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council, Yemoleigha, said that they have accepted the responsibility to serve the council in the next three years, and assured that the newly elected executives will not fail in their duty.
He said, “In the course of our campaigns, we told you what we intend to do and we will not fail in doing that but before we get there, let me express my gratitude to Almighty God. This responsibility we have accepted and we are not going to fail you. The road will be turbulent, the road will be tough, but we assure you we are going to serve you. We need your cooperation; we need your steadfast support.”
In a statement, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku- Obiyai commended Yemoleigha, and his team for their victory at the just concluded council election.
The Commissioner who described the 2024 NUJ delegate conference in the state as the most competitive in history, thanked members of the council for their peaceful disposition at the election.
She urged the new NUJ state council leadership to be magnanimous in victory and to always uphold the virtues of the profession in piloting the affairs of the council.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Dan Alabrah in a statement on Sunday said Yemoleigha’s victory was a reflection of the acceptance of his campaign promises by the delegates and members of the council.
He also said Yemoleigha’s election reflected the confidence reposed in him to effectively pilot council affairs.
The governor’s spokesman charged the new NUJ chairman to ensure that in keeping faith with his campaign promises, he should steady the ship and run an inclusive and transparent leadership of the council.
He also urged the new leadership to uphold the dignity of the media, protect its integrity, and promote innovative and creative ideas that would attract respect for the council and journalists in the state.
Alabrah noted that with the campaigns and election over, the different slates representing council members should close ranks and work together in the overall interest of journalists in the state.
“The election of a new NUJ chairman should not be a winner-takes-all all. The media is a noble profession that should show positive leadership.
“The new leadership is expected to exercise discretion and ensure that the overriding interest of members of the council trumps other considerations.