The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has condemned the recent crisis rocking the Correspondents’ Chapel, describing the purported election led by Chuks Ilozue as a “charade, null and void.” This was part of the resolutions reached at the April Congress of the Council held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.
Presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, the Congress deliberated on pressing union and state issues, including internal wrangling within the Correspondents’ Chapel, which it described as being fueled by disgruntled elements with ulterior motives.
A major highlight of the Congress was the unanimous vote of confidence passed on the leadership of Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu and his executive. The motion, moved by Dr. Stanley Onunkwo, Chairman of the Information Chapel, and seconded by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna of the Angel Network Chapel, was supported overwhelmingly by Congress members.
In a bid to restore sanity within the embattled Correspondents’ Chapel, the Congress announced the constitution of a Caretaker/Rescue Committee with a three-month mandate. The committee will be chaired by Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, with Comrades Okechukwu Onuegbu and Uzoma Nzeagwu as Secretary and Member respectively. A Rescue Team comprising veterans and respected union members was also inaugurated to support peaceful reconciliation efforts.
The Congress further urged union members to desist from filing frivolous petitions and from publishing malicious, unprofessional reports designed to discredit the leadership and the union. It specifically cautioned Tony Okafor, formerly of Punch, to refrain from such divisive conduct.
Members of the union also exonerated the Vice Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Betty Onuchukwu, of any wrongdoing in the chapel crisis and condemned the cyberbullying and defamatory narratives targeted at the union’s leadership.
In a related development, Congress applauded Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his continued efforts in addressing public concerns. The union particularly lauded the Governor for setting up a monitoring committee to regulate the activities of the Agụnechemba Security Outfit, his administration’s prompt payment of gratuities, and the ongoing construction of the new Government House and Lodge.
Congress called on the Governor to also address the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) since 2017, noting that the gesture would bring long-awaited relief to affected pensioners.
As the rainy season approaches, the NUJ advised Anambra residents to take precautionary measures against flooding and to ensure proper waste disposal to prevent environmental hazards.
The Council also commended Rt. Hon. Dr. Chukwuma Okoye, Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, for sponsoring the April Congress and for his continued support for the union. Similar appreciation was extended to Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Political Adviser to Governor Soludo, for sponsoring the March Congress.
Congress further praised Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, for her peace-building efforts within the association.
In conclusion, the union called on all political actors to ensure peaceful party primaries ahead of the Anambra State Governorship election, emphasizing the need for decorum, non-violence, and democratic ideals.
The communique was issued and signed by Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, PhD, Secretary of the NUJ Anambra State Council, and Comrade Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of the Council, on April 3, 2025.