By Ameh Gabriel
ABUJA – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, following a highly attended Monthly Congress held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
Over 450 members were present at the congress, which proceeded peacefully until tensions rose during the “State of the Union/Nation” session. Delegates expressed outrage after being briefed on a cyber breach involving the Union’s official social media handles. A former Council Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, was accused of hacking into the Union’s Facebook and Twitter pages, renaming them “Nigeria Media Group” and altering the Council’s official logo and identity.
In a strongly worded motion adopted by the Congress, members condemned what they described as “the destructive and impersonative actions” of Comrade Ogbeche. They further criticized the failure of both his administration and that of his successor, Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, to present audited financial statements for their respective terms.
The Council, while calling for restraint, mandated the State Working Committee led by Comrade Grace Ike to refer the matter to the police for investigation under the Cybercrime Act of 2024 (as amended). The Congress warned all parties plotting to derail the current administration to desist, affirming that such actions would not go unchallenged.
Members also deliberated on reports of alleged threats and physical assault by disgruntled elements within the Union. One member, Comrade Osisam Ede of the Correspondents Chapel, recounted an incident in which he sustained a mouth injury following an attack allegedly carried out by Comrade Emeka Nzeh of Blueprint Newspaper. According to Ede, the assailant had also threatened a forceful takeover of the Union’s leadership.
Similarly, another member raised alarms about ongoing plots by a faction led by Comrades Emeka Nze and Johnchuks Onuahim to undermine the integrity of the Union.
While there was a strong call for immediate suspension of the named individuals, the Congress, acting on the advice of the Union’s Legal Adviser, resolved to follow due process. Comrades Emeka Nze, Johnchuks Onuahim, and others involved have been referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for swift investigation and recommendations in line with the NUJ Constitution.
On governance matters, the Congress unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Grace Ike-led Executive Council. Members applauded her inclusive leadership style and reaffirmed their support, urging detractors to allow the administration to focus on delivering good governance and advancing the Union’s mandate.
The Congress also discussed the looming protest by about 40,000 workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), scheduled from Monday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Members from the FCTA and FCDA Chapels are expected to be directly impacted.
In a gesture of solidarity, the Union appealed to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike (CON), to give listening ears to the demands of the protesting workers. The Union described Wike as “a man of the people and a true friend of the media,” urging him to intervene in resolving the issues amicably.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Tortiv,
Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee
Comrade Benjamin Edeaghe, Member
Comrade Odita Sunday, Member
