Lekia, Waribor Emerge Chairman, Secretary of NUJ Caretaker Committee as Crisis Mars Election

The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has moved decisively to ensure the continuity of its democratic practices with the formation of a Caretaker Committee to run its affairs pending the conduct of its election.

Lekia Anya of Radio Rivers Chapel, Boma Waribor of Kristina Reports Chapel, and Osinachi Samuel of Nigerian Television Authority Chapel, were appointed Chairman, Secretary and member of the Caretaker Committee.

In a telephone chat with Kristina Reports, Vice President, Zone F of the NUJ, Opaka Dokubo said the Committee was appointed as a stop-gap measure to obviate any vacuum in the leadership of the NUJ Rivers State Council.

He explained that this was against the backdrop of the crisis that disrupted the electoral process which was billed to hold immediate after the Triennial Delegates Conference of the NUJ Rivers State Council.

Checks by Kristina Reports indicate that one of the candidates for Chairmanship position (names withheld) had allegedly reneged on a gentlemanly agreement between him and his opponent thus triggering an uproar among the delegates.

The Vice President, Zone F, Opaka Dokubo had to take proactive and preemptive steps to contain the chaos that almost engulfed the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Port Harcourt, venue of the Triennial Delegates Conference and Election.     

Dokubo clarified that the committee members were elected from among the chairmen and secretaries of the Rivers State Council in line with the provisions of the NUJ Constitution, stating that they are clearly ousted from any issues related to elections, except the day-to-day administrative functions.   

In an interview with Kristina Reports, Chairman of the Caretake Committee, Lekia Anya reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections within the Council, emphasizing the union’s role as a member of the fourth estate of the realm.

He expressed confidence in the fact that, as pacesetters in democratic governance, the electoral process when concluded would foster unity and growth among NUJ members in Rivers State.

Also speaking, Secretary of the Committee, Boma Waribor highlighted the importance of democratic ideals such as freedom of speech and inclusivity, assuring members that the committee is focused on maintaining a seamless transition while avoiding any vacuum in leadership.

Some concerned members of the State Council of the NUJ told Kristina Reports that this development underscores the NUJ’s dedication to setting the pace for ethical journalism and democratic practices in Rivers State and beyond.